President Donald Trump moved to shore up America’s timber industry this week, imposing tariffs of up to 50% on imported wood products after the Commerce Department warned foreign dependence threatens U.S. military readiness and critical infrastructure.
“Wood products are used in critical functions of the Department of War, including building infrastructure for operational testing, housing and storage for personnel and materiel, transporting munitions, as an ingredient in munitions, and as a component in missile-defense systems and thermal-protection systems for nuclear-reentry vehicles,” the proclamation states.
The order places a 10% duty on softwood timber and lumber. Starting October 14, kitchen cabinets, vanities, and certain upholstered wooden products will be hit with 25% tariffs, rising to 30% and 50% in January 2026 unless U.S. trading partners reach new security agreements.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick found that imports, often supported by foreign subsidies, have forced U.S. mill closures and weakened supply chains despite America’s ample raw timber. The administration said these vulnerabilities leave the country exposed in both defense and civilian sectors, including power grids, transportation, and manufacturing.
Trump gave limited breaks to allies: imports from the United Kingdom are capped at 10%, while European Union and Japanese goods face no more than a combined 15% duty. U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai has been directed to continue negotiations, but the White House warned that countries failing to address security concerns will face the January hikes.
Texas, with its vast homebuilding sector and defense contractors, is expected to feel the impact of the new measures directly. Officials said the tariffs are designed to boost domestic capacity, create jobs, and ensure the U.S. can supply its own military and infrastructure needs.
“These actions will strengthen supply chains, bolster industrial resilience, create high-quality jobs, and increase domestic capacity utilization,” Trump said.