The President of the United States has announced an amendment to a previous proclamation regarding tariffs on imported timber, lumber, and related wood products. The original investigation, conducted by the Secretary of Commerce under section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, concluded that imports of these products threaten national security due to their quantity and circumstances.
In September 2025, Proclamation 10976 imposed a 10 percent tariff on certain softwood timber and lumber, as well as a 25 percent tariff on some upholstered wooden products, kitchen cabinets, and vanities. It also stated that duty rates for upholstered furniture would rise from 25 percent to 30 percent and for kitchen cabinets and vanities from 25 percent to 50 percent beginning January 1, 2026. However, countries reaching agreements with the United States to address these concerns could be exempted from these increases.
According to the latest update from the United States Trade Representative (USTR), negotiations with multiple countries are ongoing in an effort to resolve issues related to national security risks posed by wood product imports. Based on this information, President Donald J. Trump has decided it is necessary to continue negotiations and delay the scheduled tariff increases for another year.
President Trump stated: “In my judgment, the action in this proclamation will result in more productive negotiations of agreements to address the threatened impairment to the national security found in Proclamation 10976, while the tariffs imposed in Proclamation 10976 will continue to adjust the imports of wood products and address the threat to impair the national security found in Proclamation 10976.”
The amended proclamation now sets October 14, 2025 as the date when current duty rates take effect for relevant goods entering U.S. commerce. The planned increase—raising tariffs on upholstered furniture and certain cabinetry—will now take place on January 1, 2027 unless new agreements are reached with trading partners.
The USTR is directed to continue pursuing or maintaining negotiations with other countries regarding imported wood products. Updates must be provided periodically, including one approximately six months after Proclamation 10976’s issuance.
Any conflicting provisions from prior proclamations or executive orders are superseded by this amendment.
