Trump expands trade war with lumber tariff investigation

US President Donald Trump on Saturday ordered a national security investigation into lumber imports under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, potentially leading to new tariffs on Canadian, German, and Brazilian wood products.

The probe, the third new tariff investigation in a week, could add to existing 14.5 per cent duties on Canadian softwood lumber and coincide with Trump’s planned 25 per cent tariffs on all Canadian and Mexican goods set for next Tuesday.

The order directs Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to complete the investigation within 270 days and calls for streamlining permits to boost US timber production within 90 days. White House trade adviser Peter Navarro said the move aims to curb “unfair” foreign competition and strengthen domestic supply.

Attribution: Reuters

Subediting: Y.Yasser