Hardwood Federation Trade Call to Action
Good Afternoon:
Impacts of the ongoing trade dispute with China (and other nations) is being felt by almost all manufacturing sectors, including agriculture and the hardwood industry. Over the last few weeks the Hardwood Federation has begun to hear much more often from companies that are extremely concerned about how the escalating imposition of tariffs on imported goods by both the U.S. and Chinese governments will affect long term business and industry viability. Concerns ramped up significantly last Friday when the Chinese government announced a list of $60 Billion worth of U.S. imports it plans to apply tariffs on should the Trump Administration follow through with its latest trade threats (which include tariffs on Chinese hardwood products). Although we have not seen an official English version of the latest Chinese list, preliminary translations indicate that many U.S. hardwoods and products are on the list, including rates of 25% on oak lumber, 20% on hardwood logs, cherry and ash, 5% on poplar, maple and other hardwood lumber.
Although these most recent tariffs are in the proposal stage and will not take effect, if they take effect, for at least a few months, we are hearing that serious impacts are already being felt as Chinese buyers are cutting back on orders, cancelling orders and renegotiating prices. The Hardwood Federation has been participating in several trade coalitions of industry sectors (agriculture, retail, manufacturing) working together to address common concerns. Other industry sectors are experiencing similar struggles and general consensus among the various groups seems to be that imposing wide-ranging tariffs on imports will not have the effect that the Administration desires. To date, the Hardwood Federation team has focused on communicating to the Administration and to Members of Congress that they must move to quickly resolve the trade impasse and reach agreement with all our trading partners in order to ensure stability in the marketplace. This is the same positioning most commodity groups are taking as they work to address the concerns of their memberships.
The vast majority of Congressional offices we have spoken to are sympathetic to our concerns and are doing their best to communicate them to the Administration. However, the Trump team does seem very set on this strategy and there is no indication of any change at this point.
Clearly this will be a top issue for our Board Meeting and Fly-In next month and we are working on making preparations to take up this important issue. Your input is important to us…and to Congress…as we further refine our messaging and strategy. There are several ways you can share your thoughts with us and with your elected officials.
Share Your Experience With The Hardwood Federation
Share your thoughts about how this dispute is impacting your business with the Hardwood Federation. Concrete examples are important and helpful as we discuss the situation with Members of Congress and the Administration (we will not use company names unless given permission). Comment at this link: https://www.votervoice.net/THF/Surveys/4697/Respond.
Tell your Members of Congress What You Think
You may comment directly to your member of Congress via this link: https://www.votervoice.net/THF/campaigns/60209/respond.
Talk to Elected Officials During the Congressional Recess
Members of both the U.S. House and Senate are back in their home states and districts…many on the campaign trail. Take the opportunity to attend town meetings or make appointments with candidates while they are home. To access information about your Member of Congress and Senators, use this link https://whoismyrepresentative.com/ to gain access to state and district offices and contact information.
Thank you for your support and engagement.
Dana Lee Cole
Executive Director
The Hardwood Federation
1101 K Street, NW, Suite 700
Washington, DC 20005
Phone: (202) 463-2705