Executive Order 14223

Addressing the Threat to National Security From Imports of Timber, Lumber, and Their Derivative Products

Signed March 1, 2025, printed at 90 FR 11359. 4 sections of substance, 910 words.

In plain English

This order looks at wood and paper coming in from abroad. It asks whether that trade puts the country at risk.

Sec. 1. Policy

The wood products industry, composed of timber, lumber, and their derivative products (such as paper products, furniture, and cabinetry) is a critical manufacturing industry essential to the national security, economic strength, and industrial resilience of the United States. This industry plays a vital role in key downstream civilian industries, including construction. The United States faces significant vulnerabilities in the wood supply chain from imported timber, lumber, and their derivative products being dumped onto the United States market. The United States has ample timber resources. The current United States softwood lumber industry has the practical production capacity to supply 95 percent of the United States' 2024 softwood consumption. Yet, since 2016 the United States has been a net importer of lumber. Wood products are a key input used by both the civilian construction

In plain English

This sets out the case the order makes. It says wood products matter to building and defense. It says imports are being dumped here. It says the country has ample timber. It says mills here could supply 95 percent of demand. It notes the country has imported more than it sells since 2016.

Sec. 2. Investigation

(a) The Secretary of Commerce shall initiate an investigation under section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act to determine the effects on the national security of imports of timber, lumber, and their derivative products. (b) In conducting the investigation described in subsection (a) of this section, the Secretary of Commerce shall assess the factors set forth in 19 U.S.C. 1862(d), labeled ``Domestic production for national defense; impact of foreign competition on economic welfare of domestic industries,'' as well as other relevant factors, including: (i) the current and projected demand for timber and lumber in the United States; (ii) the extent to which domestic production of timber and lumber can meet domestic demand; (iii) the role of foreign supply chains, particularly of major exporters, in meeting United States timber and lumber demand; [[Page 11360]] (iv) the impact of foreign

In plain English

This starts a trade study. Commerce must run it under a 1962 law. It covers timber, lumber and goods made from them. It must weigh current and future demand. It must ask whether mills here can meet it. It must weigh the role of major exporters.

Sec. 3. Required Actions

(a) The Secretary of Commerce shall consult with the Secretary of Defense and the heads of other relevant executive departments and agencies as determined by the Secretary of Commerce to evaluate the national security risks associated with imports of timber, lumber, and their derivative products. (b) No later than 270 days after the date of this order, the Secretary of Commerce shall submit a report to the President that includes: (i) findings on whether imports of timber, lumber, and their derivative products threaten national security; (ii) recommendations on actions to mitigate such threats, including potential tariffs, export controls, or incentives to increase domestic production; and (iii) policy recommendations for strengthening the United States timber and lumber supply chain through strategic investments and permitting reforms.

In plain English

This sets the next steps. Commerce must consult Defense and other agencies. Within 270 days it must report to the President. The report says whether imports are a threat. It may recommend tariffs or export limits. It may also propose investment and faster permits.

Sec. 4. Definitions

As used in this order: (a) The term ``timber'' refers to wood that has not been processed. (b) The term ``lumber'' refers to wood that has been processed, including wood that has been milled and cut into boards or planks.

In plain English

This defines two words. Timber means wood that has not been worked. It is still raw. Lumber means wood that has been worked. Milling counts as working it. Cutting it into boards counts too. So does cutting it into planks.

Sec. 5. General Provisions

Every order carries this. It is not what the order does.

(a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect: (i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or (ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals. (b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations. [[Page 11361]] (c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person. <GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT> (Presidential Sig.) THE WHITE HOUSE, March 1, 2025. [FR Doc. 2025-03693 Filed 3-5-25; 8:45 am] Billing code 3395-F4-P </pre></body> </html>

In plain English

This is the closing clause that nearly every order carries. It says the order does not change what the law already allows. It also says no one can sue to enforce it.

How this order is quoted

Each section is quoted as the order prints it, under its own number and heading. Executive orders are United States government works and are not under copyright. Long sections are cut at a sentence and the whole order is a click away.