The United States has introduced a uniform 15% tariff on most European Union exports following an Executive Order signed by President Donald Trump on 31 July 2025. The measures, effective from 7 August, cover industries from cars to semiconductors. However, European timber currently remains exempt.
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The European Commission confirmed that sawn timber exports to the US will continue at the "most-favoured-nation" rate of 0% until the ongoing Section 232 investigation concludes in late November. Officials stressed that even in a worst-case scenario, additional duties on EU lumber would not exceed 15%.
Engineered wood products are less fortunate, already subject to a 10% tariff and expected to rise to 15%. Other wood products remain under review as part of the US market investigation launched in March.
The July political understanding between the EU and US outlined a 15% tariff on most EU goods, with exemptions for aircraft, certain chemicals, and raw materials. Steel and aluminium remain under a 50% tariff and quota system.
For EU timber exporters, the next three months bring "watchful stability," with sawn wood trade unaffected but future tariffs still possible depending on the November findings.
Source: www.globalwood.org
