State Leaders Appeal for Forestry Support and Relief

Speakers of the House representing the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia and South Carolina are seeking action to help lift the U.S. forestry industry.

In a letter to lawmakers, four pressing issues are brought to the fore:

• Fumigation Approval for Exports: The Speakers are asking for advocacy to secure European Union approval for the use of Sulfuryl Fluoride (SF) to fumigate Southern Yellow Pine wood chips for export. The EU currently bans the use of SF aboard vessels, blocking one of the few commercially viable methods to prepare wood for overseas shipment.
• Tariff Notice Period: The letter calls for the establishment of a 90-day notice period before new tariffs affecting forest product exports or imports take effect. This would provide greater predictability for businesses and help maintain a stable market.
• Reopening Asian Markets: The Speakers urge federal officials to prioritize reopening Asian markets for U.S. logs and wood chips through trade negotiations, restoring a critical export opportunity for the Southeast’s forest products.
• Clarification of the Transshipment Clause: The letter seeks clearer guidance under U.S. Customs and Border Protection regulations to provide certainty for trading partners regarding tariff exemptions when raw materials are of verified U.S. origin.

The letter surfaces fallout from the Trump Administration's tariff policies, including difficulties caused by market instability and uncertainty—as well as retaliatory measures from trading partners. Regarding the "reopening Asian markets" action point, the letter says China's recent ban on U.S. log imports has "closed off a significant market opportunity." It adds that "there is no alternative export market to fill China's void," and that "reopening the Chinese market for U.S. logs and chips through ongoing trade negotiations is crucial for increasing demand in the short term for U.S. forest products."

In a press release, Arkansas Speaker Brian Evans says addressing the letter's four key priorities would do wonders to strengthen the entire Southeastern forestry economy. “Forestry sustains thousands of Arkansas jobs, from the mills and loggers to the haulers and equipment suppliers who keep rural communities thriving,” Evans said. “These policy changes would provide much-needed relief and help secure the future of one of our state’s most important industries.”

You can read the letter in its entirety here.