U.S. hardwood industry urges White House for support as export markets shrink

The Hardwood Federation has urged the White House to provide federal assistance to U.S. lumber and hardwood mills grappling with the effects of tariffs, highlighting growing economic pressures on an export-dependent industry. The request comes in response to the administration’s plans to support soybean farmers affected by tariffs on China, which is also the primary market for U.S. hardwood exports. In a letter listing more than 400 mills nationwide, 37 are from Tennessee, including Oak Ridge Hardwoods. Owner and president Chris Keziah described the current business climate as increasingly unstable. “It’s just getting harder ...