Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Addresses the Threat to National Security from Imports of Timber, Lumber, and Their Derivative Products

9/29/2025

Fact Sheets

View Original

Tariff Impositions:
- 10% global tariff on softwood lumber.
- 25% global tariff on upholstered furniture, escalating to 30% on January 1.
- 25% global tariff on kitchen cabinets and vanities, increasing to 50% on January 1.
National Security Concerns:
- A Section 232 investigation identified that excessive reliance on imported wood products threatens U.S. national security.
- Emphasis on the role of lumber in both civilian construction and military infrastructure.
Favorable Treatment for Key Partners:
- The United Kingdom, European Union, and Japan will receive more favorable tariff treatment through negotiations.
- Tariffs for the UK will not exceed 10% and for the EU and Japan will not exceed 15% when combined with other tariffs.
Domestic Industry Support:
- Tariffs intended to counter foreign subsidies and predatory trade practices that undermine the U.S. lumber industry.
- Measures are designed to boost domestic production and reduce vulnerabilities in critical supply chains.
Broader Trade and Security Strategy:
- This Proclamation is part of the America First Trade Policy, reinforcing previous Section 232 actions on steel, aluminum, copper, and autos.
- Additional investigations are underway in sectors like semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, and more to safeguard economic and national security.

The imposition of tariffs on timber, lumber, and derivative products could lead to increased costs for construction materials, impacting Vanderbilt University’s infrastructure projects and maintenance budgets.
As the U.S. military is a significant consumer of wood products, any disruptions in supply or increased costs could affect military-related research and partnerships that Vanderbilt may have, particularly in areas related to defense and infrastructure.
The tariffs may lead to strained relationships with international partners, potentially affecting collaborative research projects or academic exchanges with institutions in the United Kingdom, European Union, and Japan.
Vanderbilt’s research programs that rely on imported wood products for experimental purposes may face increased costs or supply chain disruptions, necessitating adjustments in research planning and budgeting.

Vanderbilt’s Construction and Facilities Department may need to reassess project budgets and timelines due to increased material costs resulting from the tariffs.
The School of Engineering could see impacts on research projects involving construction materials, necessitating a shift towards alternative materials or increased funding to cover higher costs.
International Programs may need to navigate potential diplomatic tensions or changes in collaboration terms with institutions in affected countries.
The Office of Research might need to explore alternative funding sources or partnerships to mitigate the financial impact of increased research material costs.

The tariffs could lead to increased operational costs for Vanderbilt University, particularly in construction and maintenance, potentially affecting budget allocations and financial planning.
Research programs that rely on imported wood products may face budgetary constraints, requiring reallocation of funds or seeking additional grants to cover increased expenses.
Potential disruptions in international collaborations could impact funding opportunities and the scope of joint research initiatives, necessitating strategic adjustments in international engagement.
Vanderbilt may need to consider long-term strategies to mitigate the impact of tariffs, such as investing in domestic supply chains or exploring alternative materials for research and construction.

Relevance Score: 4 (The tariffs present a high risk due to potential major transformations in operational and research programs.)

Vanderbilt’s School of Engineering should explore research opportunities in innovative wood products, such as cross-laminated timber, which are being tested by the U.S. military. This could lead to partnerships and funding opportunities in defense-related construction projects.
The Office of Federal Relations should monitor developments in trade policies and tariffs, particularly those affecting the construction and manufacturing sectors, to assess potential impacts on university projects and collaborations with industry partners.
Vanderbilt’s Owen Graduate School of Management could develop case studies or research projects on the economic impacts of tariffs and trade policies, providing insights into how these measures affect domestic industries and supply chains.
The Department of Political Science should analyze the broader implications of trade policies on national security and economic stability, contributing to public discourse and policy recommendations.
Vanderbilt’s Center for Technology Transfer and Commercialization should identify opportunities for commercializing research in materials science and engineering that align with national priorities in manufacturing and supply chain resilience.

The executive order presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s School of Engineering to engage in research and development of sustainable and innovative wood products, potentially leading to new collaborations with the construction and defense industries.
Vanderbilt can capitalize on the increased focus on domestic manufacturing by developing programs and partnerships that support the growth of local industries, enhancing the university’s role in regional economic development.
The emphasis on securing critical industries and supply chains offers an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s research centers to engage in policy analysis and advocacy, influencing how these policies are implemented and their impact on economic and national security.
By engaging with policymakers and industry leaders, Vanderbilt can position itself as a thought leader in the national conversation on trade and industrial policy, hosting conferences and public forums to discuss the implications of these policies.

Relevance Score: 3 (Some adjustments are needed to processes or procedures to align with opportunities in research and industry partnerships.)

Average Relevance Score: 2.2

January 1: Tariff on upholstered furniture increases from 25% to 30%.
January 1: Tariff on kitchen cabinets and vanities increases from 25% to 50%.

The shortest timeline is from the tariff increase effective January 1, which is approximately 90–179 days from the fact sheet date.

Relevance Score: 2

Department of Commerce: This agency completed the Section 232 investigation and is directly involved in determining the national security implications of wood product imports, thereby playing a central role in implementing the tariff measures outlined in the Proclamation.

Relevance Score: 1 (Only 1 or 2 agencies are directly impacted by the order.)

N/A – The text does not explicitly designate any officials to implement the tariff directives.

Relevance Score: 1 (The directive does not specify implementation by any particular official.)