Georgia Speaker of the House Jon Burns (R) has sent a letter to members of Georgia’s Congressional Delegation requesting urgent relief for the U.S. forestry industry. The letter was co-signed by Speaker of the Alabama House of Representatives, Nathaniel Ledbetter (R), Speaker of the Arkansas House of Representatives, Brian S. Evans (R), Speaker of the Florida House, Danny Perez (R), and Speaker of the South Carolina House, Murrell Smith Jr. (R).
In the letter, the Speakers list significant shifts in the market, regulatory barriers, and confusing trade policy as causes of mill closures throughout the Southeast region. In response to these issues, the Speakers have requested the Delegation to prioritize four solutions.
First, they have requested them to petition the European Union (EU) for the approval of a chemical known as Sulfuryl Fluoride. This chemical is necessary to fumigate wood chips for export, but the EU has restricted it hampering trade as a result.
Second, under current U.S. trade policy, products and shipments from U.S. exporters are becoming stuck en route to their destination as a result of immediately imposed tariffs. In response to this, the Speakers have requested the establishment of a 90-day notice period for tariffs that are to be imposed.
Third, the Asian market has banned log imports from the U.S. and this has closed off a significant market for the Southeast’s forest sector. The Speakers have requested the delegation to bring this issue to the Trump Administration and advocate for more expansive diplomacy.
Finally, U.S. Customs and Border Enforcement has been enforcing the Transshipment Clause and imposing tariffs on products whose origins are in question. The Speakers have requested that the language of the current law be adjusted so that tariff exceptions can be made.
Speaker Jon Burns commented on the significance of the forestry industry, calling it the ‘backbone’ of the Southeastern U.S. by supporting families and contributing billions of dollars to the economy.
“Across the Southeast, this vital industry has been impacted by shifting markets, non-tariff barriers to trade and global economic uncertainty,” Burns stated. “We look forward to working alongside our federal partners to deliver immediate solutions that ensure the U.S. forestry industry remains viable for generations to come.”
