The Trump Administration and Congress are actively discussing if and how to provide relief to agriculture sectors in light of declining markets and commodity practices. The Hardwood Federation is holding meetings weekly...if not daily...with elected and White House officials to express the importance of including the Hardwood industry in any relief package. But hearing from individual company owners, executives, and employees as well is essential! Take a moment to communicate you concerns to the President, Vice-President and your members of Congress...and please add in a sentence or two to personalize the message. Details about how current trade policies are impacting your business specifically will increase the impact of these letters.
Thank you for taking this very important step to engage!&nbsp;

Tell Congress to Provide Financial Relief to the Hardwood Industry

Share Impacts of Current Trade Policy on YOUR Company

I write not just on behalf of the U.S. hardwood sector, but also as someone whose livelihood, employees, and community depend on the continued viability of our uniquely American industry.

The U.S. hardwood industry is the largest supplier, producer, and exporter of hardwood logs and lumber in the world and is a significant supplier, producer, and exporter of hardwood veneer.  Our mills also process logs and lumber for use in the domestic production and manufacturing of a wide range of hardwood products including  flooring, cabinets, furniture, and moldings in our homes as well as industrial products like railway ties and construction mats. Residuals from our mill and manufacturing processes go into the production of paper, shipping cartons, wood fuel pellets, mulch, and animal bedding.   Ninety percent of our raw materials are harvested on lands owned by private families and landowners, providing generational income to millions. Unlike the U.S. softwood sector, the U.S. hardwood industry has long been a net exporter of our logs, lumber, and veneer.

For generations, hardwood mills, often small and family-owned, have provided steady jobs and sustained rural towns across America. American hardwoods harvested domestically and milled into lumber and products by American hardwood companies are the foundation of our great cities and transportation systems.  American logs, lumber, and products were also historically in high demand throughout the world as reliable materials for everything from flooring  But in recent years, our industry has been pushed to the brink. 

Other agricultural industries hit by trade disputes received relief back in 2018, but hardwood never did. Export markets declined, particularly those in China.  They have never recovered and our industry is smaller as a result. The industry is aware that conversations among between Congress and the Administration are being held about potential financial support for the Agriculture community.  The U.S. Hardwood industry IS Agriculture and is reliant on many of the same exports are friends in the row crop business depend upon. And we face the same fate if some sort of solution is not found quickly. Without support in 2025, more hardwood operations like mine won’t make it. And once mills disappear, the capacity to rebuild and continue production of great American hardwood products will be gone.

We strongly support the Administration’s efforts to bring manufacturing back to America. But that goal depends on keeping upstream industries like ours alive. I respectfully urge you to include the U.S. hardwood sector in any relief programs, so that small businesses like mine can keep people employed, sustain rural communities, and preserve this proud American tradition.

Thank you for your leadership and commitment to rural America.

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