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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.”

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) serves to advance public policies that foster economic growth, job creation and global competitiveness for a vital sector that makes the essential paper and packaging products Americans use every day. 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. Our industry accounts for approximately 4.7% of the total U.S. manufacturing GDP, manufacturing more than $435 billion in products annually. AF&PA member companies are significant producers and users of renewable biomass energy and are committed to making sustainable products for a sustainable future through the industry’s decades-long initiative — Better Practices, Better Planet 2030