Efforts to streamline permitting in the timber industry are underway as per an executive order, with relevant agencies instructed to take necessary steps to suspend, revise, or rescind regulations that hinder timber production.
The executive order emphasizes the impact of federal policies on the utilization of domestic timber resources, leading to reliance on foreign producers. The inability to maximize domestic timber supply has hindered job creation, contributed to wildfires, damaged habitats, increased construction and energy costs, and threatened economic security. There is a crucial need to reverse these policies and boost domestic timber production to safeguard national and economic security.
Additionally, a second executive order has been issued to investigate national security risks related to timber and lumber imports.
Upon assuming office, President Trump issued an executive order for emergency price relief to reduce housing costs and enhance housing supply.
In response to concerns, tariffs were proposed on goods from Canada, Mexico, and China, including hardware and lumber imports. The National Association of Homebuilders requested tariff exemptions on building materials. While the initial tariffs on Mexico and Canada were paused, tariffs on steel and aluminum imports were announced, along with a memo on reciprocal tariffs.
For more information on actions affecting housing, refer to the updated list of all Trump’s housing-related actions.