Trump Orders Probe Into Lumber Import Practices

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order directing the Commerce Department to investigate the impact of lumber and timber imports on national security, potentially leading to new tariffs. The investigation, conducted under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, will assess whether countries like Canada, Germany, Brazil, and China are dumping lumber and derivative products, such as kitchen cabinets, into the U.S. market. This move aims to address perceived vulnerabilities in the wood supply chain, which the administration argues contribute to increased construction costs and trade deficits. Additionally, Trump signed an order to increase domestic timber production, which is expected to streamline the permitting process and potentially lower housing costs. Officials stated that the investigation will also consider the effects of foreign subsidies and predatory trade practices on U.S. economic prosperity and national security. Trump's actions underscore his broader trade policy, which includes imposing tariffs on imports to protect domestic industries.