21 Hoosier hardwood mills, lumber companies call for tariff relief

INDIANAPOLIS — Hoosier hardwood mills and lumber companies have faced challenges brought on by the loss of export markets due to tariffs.

To speak out about the issue, a group of 21 Indiana hardwood mills and lumber companies joined hundreds from around the country, signing a letter calling on the Trump administration to provide direct tariff relief payments.

“We respectfully urge (the administration) to prioritize the U.S. hardwood industry, ensure our sector has equitable access to relief programs and preserve our ability to compete globally,” the letter reads.

The U.S. hardwood industry is the largest exporter of hardwood logs, lumber and veneer in the world.

However, over the past several years, the hardwood sector has faced mounting pressure from retaliatory tariffs and the loss of export markets to global competitors.

According to the letter, between 2022 and 2024:

• U.S. hardwood exports declined by $930 million.

• Hardwood lumber exports fell 20% or $663 million.

• Hardwood log exports declined 11% or $209 million.

• The sector has lost 40,000 jobs — a 10% decline in its workforce.

Indiana ranks first nationally in the production of wood office furniture and hardwood veneer, according to the Indiana State Department of Agriculture.

“From furniture and flooring to packaging and construction, hardwood products are a critical supply chain link that keeps manufacturing strong at home,” said Dana Lee Cole, executive director of the Hardwood Federation.

“Without a robust domestic hardwood sector, we risk increasing reliance on foreign materials and losing the skilled workforce and infrastructure that underpin American competitiveness. Supporting the U.S. hardwood industry means supporting U.S. manufacturing.”

Despite its contributions to American manufacturing and rural economies, the hardwood industry was not included in previous tariff relief efforts in 2018.

The letter signers say that without swift action, further losses could permanently weaken domestic production capacity.

Read the complete letter at https://tinyurl.com/Hardwood-Federation.