Trade Alert: 232 Tariffs on Wood Products Announced; Comment Window Opens on PPE/Robotics/Machinery
President Trump issued new Section 232 tariffs on imports of timber, lumber and other wood products. Additionally, the Department of Commerce has announced new Section 232 investigations into several different imports that could affect marine manufacturers.
The investigations will cover imports of robotics, industrial machinery, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
In the President’s announcement, he established new tariff rates – which will increase on January 1 – for timber, lumber, and derivative products, including:
- A 10% global tariff on imports of softwood lumber.
- A 25% global tariff on certain upholstered furniture, which will increase to 30% on January 1.
- A 25% global tariff on kitchen cabinets and vanities, which will increase to 50% on January 1.
- Trading partners who negotiate with the United States to address the threat of wood imports to the national security of the United States may be able to secure an alternative to the pending tariff increases.
Comments for the new Section 232 investigations into PPE, robotics, and industrial machinery must be submitted by October 17. The notice, scope of the investigations, and criteria can be found here:
NMMA encourages members to work with your team and suppliers to identify the corresponding HTS codes with your imported components, parts, or products.
NMMA will continue working with the administration, Congress, and industry partners to ensure U.S. trade policy is targeted, balanced, and aligned with the needs of American manufacturers. While the federal government shutdown adds some uncertainty around administrative timelines, at this point Commerce has not indicated any changes to the October 17 deadline. NMMA will continue to track this closely and update members if the situation impacts the Section 232 investigations or comment process.
For more information, contact NMMA’s Clay Crabtree, Senior Director of Public Policy, at [email protected].