New Dates Set for Higher Wood Import Tariffs

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): President Donald Trump has issued a new proclamation delaying scheduled tariff increases on certain imported wood products, extending ongoing trade negotiations aimed at addressing national security concerns tied to timber and lumber imports.

The action follows a July 2025 investigation by the U.S. Department of Commerce, which found that imports of timber, lumber, and related wood products were entering the United States in quantities and under conditions that could threaten national security. The investigation was conducted under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, which allows the President to adjust imports when they are deemed harmful to national security.

What This Means

Under a previous proclamation issued in September 2025, the administration imposed tariffs on several categories of imported wood products. These included a 10 percent tariff on certain softwood timber and lumber, and a 25 percent tariff on upholstered wooden furniture, kitchen cabinets, and vanities. That order also scheduled higher tariff rates to take effect on January 1, 2026.

The new proclamation delays those increases by one year. As a result, the tariff on upholstered wooden furniture will remain at 25 percent until January 1, 2027, instead of increasing to 30 percent in 2026. Likewise, the tariff on imported kitchen cabinets and vanities will remain at 25 percent until 2027, rather than increasing to 50 percent next year.

The tariffs imposed in 2025 will remain in effect during this delay.

Who Is Affected

The proclamation impacts a wide range of industries and consumers. U.S. importers, manufacturers, and retailers that rely on imported wood products will see temporary relief from higher costs that were scheduled to begin in 2026. Furniture makers, homebuilders, cabinet manufacturers, and retailers selling imported wood-based products are among those most directly affected.

Foreign exporters of wood products are also impacted, particularly those countries currently engaged in negotiations with the United States. Countries that reach agreements addressing the national security concerns identified by the administration may be exempt from future tariff increases.

Consumers could experience indirect effects as well, as tariffs often influence the prices of furniture, cabinets, and home renovation materials.

Why the Delay Was Ordered

According to the proclamation, the U.S. Trade Representative has reported that productive negotiations are underway with multiple countries. The administration determined that delaying the tariff increases would allow additional time to finalize agreements that could address national security concerns without imposing higher duties.

The President stated that continuing negotiations while maintaining existing tariffs is expected to lead to better long-term outcomes, while still addressing the risks identified by the Commerce Department.

What Happens Next

Unless new agreements are reached, the delayed tariff increases are now scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2027. At that time, tariffs on upholstered wooden furniture would rise to 30 percent, and tariffs on kitchen cabinets and vanities would increase to 50 percent for countries without qualifying agreements.

The U.S. Trade Representative has been directed to continue negotiations and provide periodic updates on their progress. Any future changes to tariff rates will depend on the outcome of those discussions.

The proclamation also supersedes any previous executive actions that conflict with its provisions, ensuring the revised tariff timeline remains in effect.

Courtesy: www.signalsaz.com