Germany warns U.S. lumber tariffs hit timber industry

Germany’s sawmill and timber industry said U.S. tariffs on imported lumber will hit exports and weaken international competitiveness at a sensitive time for the sector. The Trump administration on Sept. 29 announced a 10% tariff on all softwood lumber imports, effective Oct. 15, citing national security under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. Additional tariffs apply to furniture: 25% on upholstered furniture and kitchen cabinets, rising to 30% and 50% respectively from Jan. 1, 2026. Dr. Stephan Lang, president of the German Sawmill and Timber Industry Association (DeSH), said about one in five ...