AF&PA Responds to Section 232 Investigation on Lumber and Timber
WASHINGTON – The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) President and CEO Heidi Brock issued the following statement in response to the “Addressing the Threat to National Security from Imports of Timber, Lumber” Executive Order, which directs the Secretary of Commerce to initiate an investigation under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act to determine whether imports of timber and lumber threaten to impair national security:
“The U.S. forest products industry employs more than 925,000 people, largely in rural America, and is among the top 10 manufacturing sector employers in 44 states. AF&PA members make about 87% of the pulp, paper, paper-based packaging and tissue products made in the America. To manufacture these essential products, we rely on complex, cross-border supply chains that have been built around existing mill infrastructure for decades.
“We recognize the importance of identifying where foreign trade barriers exist and commend the goal of strengthening U.S. forest products manufacturing. AF&PA will seek to work with the Administration through the 232 process, especially in regards to the Order’s mention of ‘derivative’ paper products.”