US President launches investigation into the national security threat posed by timber, lumber products

On March 1, 2025, the White House announced an investigation into whether imports of timber, lumber, and their derivative products threaten the national security and economic stability of the United States (US).

• Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Addresses the Threat to National Security from Imports of Timber, Lumber, and their Derivative Products.

Similar to investigations launched by the US President into other commodities such as copper, the investigation proposes to examine whether the US dependence on external suppliers represents a threat to the country’s defense capabilities and economic stability. The investigation will culminate in a report identifying vulnerabilities in the lumber supply chain and providing recommendations to enhance the resilience of America’s domestic wood products industry. It must be submitted not later than 270 days after the Executive Order was issued.

• Executive Order—Addressing the Threat to National Security from Imports of Timber, Lumber, and their Derivative Products | The American Presidency Project