President Donald Trump revealed the results of a Section 232 investigation into national security concerns involving imports of timber, lumber and wood products.
The president said the Commerce Department’s investigation found that the present quantities and circumstances of wood product imports threaten to impair national security.
The U.S. will impose a 10% tariff on softwood lumber imports effective Oct. 14. Canadian softwood is a vital component used in RV manufacturing.
In a comment letter to the Commerce Department, RVIA Vice President of Government Affairs Jason Rano said RV manufacturers rely on Canadian lumber to build roof trusses and other structural components.
Rano said the U.S. lumber industry currently lacks capacity, species mix and grading consistency to fully replace Canadian imports.
“For instance, many domestic mills do not produce key structural sizes, such as 1×3 and 1×4, and those that do are often unwilling or unable to retool to meet specialized demand,” Rano wrote. “Even when available, domestic softwood tends to be less uniform, with higher rates of twisting and warping due to species and growth characteristics.”
Canadian lumber already carried a 16% tariff, which will increase to 26% when the Section 232 tariff is applied. Despite the tariffs, Rano wrote that Canadian lumber is a cost-effective choice for manufacturers.
“Domestic alternatives are frequently more expensive,” Rano said, “and shifting entirely to U.S. supply would mean higher production costs, increased waste and significant supply chain disruption across the RV sector.”
Additional Section 232 tariffs will take effect Oct. 14. Upholstered furniture imports will receive a 25% tariff, which increases to 30% on Jan. 1. Finished kitchen cabinets and vanities will receive a 25% tariff, which increases to 50% on Jan. 1.
The United Kingdom, European Union (EU) and Japan will not face the full tariffs. Tariffs on United Kingdom wood imports will not exceed 10%, according to the president. Wood import tariffs on the EU and Japan will not exceed 15%.
Rano cautioned in the comment letter, sent April 1, that softwood lumber tariffs would hurt the RV industry.
“This product is not used in national defense, critical infrastructure or emergency preparedness, and it is sourced from Canada—a reliable and longstanding U.S. trade partner,” Rano wrote. “Applying additional Section 232 tariffs on this material would not enhance national security. It would instead harm domestic RV manufacturing by raising costs, disrupting supply chains, and weakening a globally competitive U.S. industry.”
