Updated 9/30/2025
On September 29, 2025, President Trump signed a Proclamation under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 targeting imports of timber, lumber, and derivative wood products, citing threats to national security.
Under the new measures:
• A 10% global tariff will apply to softwood lumber imports.
• A 25% tariff will hit certain upholstered furniture, with plans to increase it to 30% on January 1.
• Kitchen cabinets and vanities will face a 25% duty, rising to 50% beginning January 1.
The President’s fact sheet states that the Secretary of Commerce’s Section 232 investigation found that current volumes and conditions of wood product imports “threaten to impair the national security” of the United States. The White House The logic is that wood products are critical inputs for both civilian construction and military infrastructure, and heavy reliance on foreign sources increases vulnerability in supply chains.
However, not all countries will be treated equally. Special allowances will apply:
• Imports from the United Kingdom, European Union, and Japan will be capped at lower tariff rates—e.g. no more than 10% for UK wood products, and combined Section 232 + Most-Favored Nation (MFN) tariffs for the EU and Japan not to exceed 15%.
• Products not covered under the new Section 232 tariffs may instead face reciprocal tariffs, depending on foreign responses.
According to the White House, the U.S. already has the production capacity to satisfy 95% of 2024’s softwood consumption, yet has remained a net importer since 2016. The White House The Proclamation frames the tariff move as correcting distortions from foreign subsidies and unfair trade practices in wood markets, aiming to stimulate domestic wood production and safeguard industrial resilience.
Related: Straight from the Source: Inside the U.S. Lumber & Wood Products Industry
Latest Tariff Updates
China
The White House says the U.S.–China tariff “pause” remains in effect under a May order (EO 14298). The U.S. removed the additional April 8–9 tariffs but kept all pre-April 2 duties: Section 301 (IP/tech), Section 232 (national-security goods), fentanyl-related IEEPA measures, plus a 10% baseline tariff. China, in turn, suspended or removed several retaliatory measures and temporarily paused a planned 34% across-the-board tariff—while a 10% rate still applies during the pause.
European Union
On July 28, 2025, the U.S. and EU announced a deal: the U.S. set 15% sectoral tariffs on autos, semiconductors, and pharmaceuticals and kept 50% tariffs on steel, aluminum, and copper; the EU agreed to eliminate all tariffs on U.S. industrial goods, commit major U.S. energy purchases and new U.S. investment, and expand market access via quotas and sector agreements.
Steel & Aluminum (global)
A June 3 presidential proclamation adjusted Section 232 measures: the Administration authorized raising steel and aluminum duties up to 50% and removing certain country exemptions/expansions to downstream products, with implementation authority lodged with Commerce.
Copper (global)
The administration imposed a 50% tariff on copper under Section 232, citing national-security risks tied to supply shortages.
Japan (reciprocal tariff adjustments)
EO 14326 (July 31) modified reciprocal tariff rates for Japan under the Tariff Act of 1930, updating the HTSUS schedules applied to Japanese goods. (This is about rate alignment/reciprocity rather than a broad new sector tariff.)
Brazil (select product increases)
A White House fact sheet (June 13) details raised tariffs on selected Brazilian imports and warns of further actions if Brazil does not address U.S. concerns.
Autos & Parts (policy incentive intersecting with tariffs)
An April 29 fact sheet created an offset against tariffs for auto parts used in U.S.-assembled vehicles (3.75% of MSRP for production year 1; 2.5% year 2), while imports of fully built autos remain subject to a 25% tariff—intended to pull more content and assembly onshore.
What This Means for U.S. Companies
Despite ongoing trade tensions, recent agreements signal a major shift in U.S.–China relations, offering temporary relief while maintaining key protections for American industries. The 10% baseline tariff remains a cornerstone of trade policy, designed to prioritize domestic production, supply chain security, and job growth.
As President Trump put it:
"By imposing reciprocal tariffs, we are ensuring trade policy works for the American economy, addresses our persistent trade deficit, and levels the playing field for American manufacturers."
For manufacturers and sourcing professionals, these shifts stress the importance the of finding reliable U.S.-based suppliers. That’s where IndustryNet plays an important role. As one of just three marketplaces featured in the SBA’s new Onshoring Portal, IndustryNet helps buyers directly connect with verified American manufacturers and suppliers across 11,000+ categories, building resilience, shortening lead times, and keeping production closer to home.
By pairing trade policy shifts with tools like IndustryNet, small and mid-sized manufacturers have a clearer path forward: access to capital through programs like the SBA’s MARC loans, and access to the suppliers they need to compete in a reshoring-driven economy.
Other Trump Administration Policies to Watch
Energy Policy
Trump’s energy policy has generally prioritized traditional fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas, aiming to establish “energy dominance” by significantly increasing domestic production. The policy involves rolling back various environmental protections and allowing expanded access to public lands for drilling and mining activities, with a vision to make the U.S. a leading global energy exporter
To this end, Trump signed executive orders to increase oil and gas production, reversing many of the green policies from the previous administration. This move aims to restore the U.S.'s manufacturing dominance by leveraging the country's vast fossil fuel reserves. Let’s take a look.
Tapping into Alaska's Resource Potential
In a somewhat surprise move, Trump signed an executive order on his first day in office that will aim to fully utilize Alaska's abundant natural resources, including energy, minerals, timber, and seafood. It focuses on streamlining the permitting and leasing processes for energy and natural resource projects, which can expedite development. Additionally, the order prioritizes the development of Alaska's liquefied natural gas (LNG) infrastructure, including necessary pipeline and export facilities, to enhance energy production and distribution.
For manufacturers, this order could mean faster access to raw materials and a more stable energy supply. The expedited permitting and leasing processes could also reduce delays in obtaining essential resources, while the development of LNG infrastructure can provide a reliable and potentially cheaper energy source. This could all enhance the competitiveness of U.S. manufacturers, particularly those in energy-intensive industries such as chemicals, steel, and aluminum production.
Declaring a National Energy Emergency
Further doubling down on energy policy, the National Energy Emergency executive order, released on January 20th, goes the extra step to declare a national energy emergency in an effort to address inadequate energy supply and infrastructure. Essentially, the order seeks to ensure a reliable, diversified, and affordable energy supply to drive critical industries, including manufacturing. The order also highlights the importance of expanding energy infrastructure to improve the stability and efficiency of energy distribution.
For the manufacturing sector, this order may lead to enhanced energy security and reduced operational costs. By ensuring a steady and affordable energy supply, manufacturers can better manage their production processes and reduce the risk of energy-related disruptions. The expansion of energy infrastructure can also improve supply chain stability, making it easier for manufacturers to access the energy they need to maintain efficient operations.
Technology
President Trump's recent executive orders aim to enhance America's global leadership in artificial intelligence (AI) and restore its dominance in science and technology. The Fact Sheet on Enhancing America's AI Leadership outlines the administration's commitment to removing regulatory barriers that hinder AI innovation. By revoking previous policies that imposed government control over AI development, the order seeks to foster a more innovation-friendly environment by way of developing an AI Action Plan to sustain and enhance America's AI dominance.
For manufacturers, these AI policies could drive advancements in automation, predictive maintenance, and supply chain optimization. By eliminating regulatory hurdles, manufacturers could conceivably adopt AI technologies at a greater pace, improving efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing product quality. This focus on AI leadership positions U.S. manufacturers to remain competitive in the global market, leveraging cutting-edge technologies to drive innovation and productivity.
On a related note, the Fact Sheet on Launching PCAST to Restore American Leadership in Science and Technology announces the establishment of the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST). This council will provide advice and recommendations to the President on science and technology policies, with a focus on promoting innovation and competitiveness in critical and emerging technologies. PCAST aims to eliminate bureaucratic barriers and champion bold investments in innovation, ensuring that the U.S. remains a global leader in scientific and technological breakthroughs.
The establishment of PCAST could lead to increased support for research and development in advanced manufacturing technologies--making it a prime interest for many industrial companies.
Trump 2.0: Defense
Signed on January 27th, "The Iron Dome for America" executive order mandates the development of a U.S. version of Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system and could be a boon for the defense industry. This initiative aims to protect American borders from advanced aerial threats, including ballistic, hypersonic, and cruise missiles. The order emphasizes the need for immediate action to build this state-of-the-art defense shield, leveraging cutting-edge radar technologies, AI-powered tracking systems, and next-generation missile interceptors.
This executive order presents significant opportunities for defense manufacturers and those that supply them. Leading defense contractors like Lockheed Martin, Raytheon Technologies, and Northrop Grumman are expected to play pivotal roles in the project, potentially securing billions of dollars in contracts, and invigorating downstream industries. The initiative will likely drive innovation and technological advancements in AI, radar, aerospace engineering, and missile defense systems—not to mention creating high-value job opportunities and invigorate the U.S. defense manufacturing ecosystem.
Source American-Made with IndustryNet
As companies adjust to this new era of “America First” policies, sourcing domestically offers a strategic advantage. By shifting to U.S.-based suppliers, manufacturers can avoid hefty tariffs on imported goods, maintain cost stability, and align with the new administrations push for self-reliance. Tools like IndustryNet allow businesses to connect with verified American suppliers across thousands of industries, enabling them to bolster their supply chains, support local manufacturing, and stay competitive in a protectionist landscape. Set up your account today and search, source, and quote for free on America’s most trusted industrial marketplace!
Editor's Note: This article was originally published in November 2024. It is updated regularly to reflect new policies and objectives set forth by the Trump Administration.
