Boom or dust? Tariffs support one US sawmill while raising uncertainty across the sector

Tariffs on Canadian lumber imports are reshaping conditions for parts of the US sawmilling industry, lifting domestic sales for some operators while adding uncertainty for others facing high operating costs, inflationary pressure and a cooling housing market. At the Enfield sawmill operated by Pleasant River Lumber, business conditions have remained firm since the Trump administration increased tariffs on Canadian softwood lumber last year. On a cold January morning, forklifts moved steadily across the frozen yard, loading packaged softwood lumber destined for customers across the US Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. Pleasant River Lumber has invested more than US$100 ...