Comments Period Open on Investigations into Lumber/Timber Imports – Have Your Say
Trade Update • March 11, 2025
he U.S. Department of Commerce has initiated two separate Section 232 national security investigations into the impact of copper and timber imports on domestic industries and national security. These investigations, led by the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), aim to assess whether the current levels of these imports pose a risk to U.S. security and economic stability.
Background
- U.S. Launches Investigation into Copper Imports
- U.S. Investigation into Lumber/Timber Imports Could Lead to Tariffs
- Additional information about the Section 232 program, including past investigations, is available at www.bis.doc.gov/232
Both decisions reflect growing concerns about U.S. reliance on foreign sources for essential materials and the potential vulnerabilities associated with global supply chains.
Products Included
The investigations will assess imports in various forms, including but not limited to:
Copper:
- Raw mined copper
- Copper concentrates
- Refined copper
- Copper alloys
- Scrap copper
- Derivative copper products
Federal Register Notice: Section 232 National Security Investigation of Imports of Copper
Timber and Lumber:
- Wood products
- Timber
- Lumber
- Derivative products e.g. paper, cabinetry, furniture
Federal Register Notice: Section 232 National Security Investigation of Imports of Timber and Lumber
The Department of Commerce has requested public comments, data, and analyses from stakeholders regarding several key issues, including:
- The demand for copper and timber in U.S. industries, particularly in defense and infrastructure.
- The capacity of domestic production, refining, and recycling to meet national demand.
- The role of foreign supply chains and potential risks associated with import dependency.
- The impact of foreign government subsidies, overcapacity, and unfair trade practices on U.S. industries.
- The possibility of foreign nations leveraging control over these resources to exert geopolitical influence.
- The feasibility of increasing domestic production to reduce reliance on imports.
- Whether trade policies, including tariffs or quotas, should be introduced to protect national security interests.
Public Comment Period
Interested parties are invited to submit written comments by April 1, 2025, through the Federal rulemaking portal at www.regulations.gov.
- The regulations.gov ID for the copper investigation is BIS-2025-0010 (X-RIN 0694-XC116).
- The regulations.gov ID for the timber investigation is BIS-2025-0011 (X-RIN 0694-XC117).
Commenters providing business confidential information must clearly label such material and provide a non-confidential version of their submission. Confidential files should begin with “BC,” while public versions should be marked “P.” The Bureau of Industry and Security has outlined strict procedures to prevent inadvertent disclosure of sensitive information.
Implications for U.S. Industry
These Section 232 investigations could lead to significant policy changes affecting the copper and timber industries, including new tariffs or quotas on imported materials. If the investigations determine that these imports threaten national security, the President may take action to restrict imports or promote domestic production through legislative or regulatory measures.
How GHY Can Help?
GHY specializes in helping businesses navigate and reduce the impacts of tariffs through strategic solutions tailored to their needs. Our experts can audit your supply chain to identify inefficiencies, uncover cost-saving opportunities, and ensure compliance with evolving trade regulations. We also employ tariff engineering techniques to optimize product classification and sourcing strategies, minimizing duty exposure and maximizing profitability.
By partnering with GHY, your business gains access to the tools and expertise needed to streamline operations and stay competitive in a challenging trade environment.
Contact Us Today! gts@ghy.com, or call +1 (800) 667-0771.
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