On Saturday, President Trump announced a new investigation into whether importing lumber poses a threat to U.S. national security. This could escalate tensions with Canada, the main supplier of lumber to America.
Trump instructed Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to lead this investigation. Depending on the findings, this could lead to tariffs on lumber imports. However, the White House did not specify how long the investigation would take.
Alongside the investigation, Trump signed an executive order aimed at increasing the amount of lumber available for sale each year. The goal is to boost supply and prevent rises in timber prices.
This move is likely to upset many Canadians. Some Canadian citizens have already called for boycotts of U.S. goods due to Trump’s plans to impose tariffs on all Canadian imports starting Tuesday. Trump is also planning similar tariffs for Mexico, claiming they are necessary to combat the flow of drugs and migrants into the U.S.
Many Canadians disagree with Trump’s assertion that fentanyl is being trafficked from Canada into the U.S. The lumber industry has been a point of contention between the two countries for years. Both nations have used tariffs and other trade measures to protect their lumber industries. They have often clashed over these protective measures in disputes settled under agreements like NAFTA and at the World Trade Organization.
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United States Politics and Government,International Trade and World Market,Wood and Wood Products,Protectionism (Trade),United States International Relations,Customs (Tariff),Commerce Department,Lutnick, Howard W,Navarro, Peter,Trump, Donald J,Canada
