President Trump Moves to Restore U.S. Lumber Dominance—Investigates Foreign Trade Practices [WATCH]

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Saturday directing an investigation into U.S. imports of wood products, citing the industry as “essential to the national security, economic strength, and industrial resilience” of the country.

JUST NOW: President Trump signs an Executive Order terminating all regulations that delay the production of timber, lumber, paper, bioenergy, and other wood products. pic.twitter.com/MPW0P6nIZY

— Ian Jaeger (@IanJaeger29) March 2, 2025

Elon Musk Called This Financial News ‘Terrifying’

The order instructs Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to lead an investigation into the national security implications of timber, lumber, and manufactured wood product imports.

The review will examine several key factors, including U.S. demand for timber and lumber, the ability of domestic production to meet that demand, the role of foreign exporters in supplying the U.S. market, and any predatory trade practices that could undermine the competitiveness of American producers.

A report summarizing these findings, along with policy recommendations, is due by late November.

Potential policy actions could include tariffs, which President Trump previously mentioned as a possibility in mid-February when discussing lumber trade.

100% FREE Gun Law Map CLICK HERE

The announcement of the lumber import investigation coincided with the signing of a second executive order, titled Immediate Expansion of American Timber Production.

BREAKING: President Trump just signed an Executive Order terminating all regulations & processes that delay the production of timber, lumber, paper, bioenergy, and other wood products.

It’s time to cut trees and use them to make houses, & other things affordable again.

“The… pic.twitter.com/kLFrClBvP1

— George (@BehizyTweets) March 2, 2025

This directive tasks Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins with identifying ways to increase timber production, streamline forest management, and reduce supply chain uncertainties.

The order aims to facilitate increased timber harvesting and reduce bureaucratic delays in getting timber to market.

Trump stated that unnecessary regulations have “prevented full utilization of these resources and made us reliant on foreign producers.”

Both executive orders highlight concerns that the U.S. has substantial untapped timber resources.

The administration’s push to expand domestic timber production aligns with broader efforts to strengthen U.S. manufacturing and reduce dependency on foreign imports.

The U.S. has long imported significant quantities of lumber, particularly from Canada, which has been a top supplier of softwood lumber.

Trump on Canada:

“We don’t need that lumber—what do we need it for? We’re subsidizing $200 billion a year. Without us, Canada wouldn’t make it. They rely on us for 95% of their trade, while we only rely on them for 4%. That’s a massive difference.

I say Canada should be our… pic.twitter.com/zzHrQEaQeU

— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) February 26, 2025

Trade disputes over lumber pricing and tariffs have been ongoing for years, with past administrations imposing duties on Canadian wood products to counter alleged unfair subsidies.

By investigating the role of foreign suppliers and considering new policies to support American timber producers, the administration signals a commitment to reinforcing U.S. industry competitiveness.

With the findings of the Commerce Department’s investigation due in late November, further policy decisions on tariffs or regulatory changes could follow, potentially reshaping the landscape of the U.S. lumber industry.

100% FREE Gun Law Map CLICK HERE

The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of LifeZette. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.