Timber Talk 10/7/25
- Jenna Reese
- 5 days ago
- 7 min read
OFA Update
2025 Paul Bunyan Show
The Paul Bunyan Show began in 1957, and it is still growing 68 years later. With the support of our exhibitors, countless staff, volunteers, and thousands of patrons-- we made Paul Bunyan proud in 2025! Every aspect of the forest products industry was represented, including crafters, processors, and everything in between. OFA had the pleasure of uniting participants from around the world to make this year such a success. The best of the best in forestry came out to participate, and there was something for everyone to enjoy. From timber-focused entertainment and wood auctions, to lumberjack competitions and educational sessions, this year's exhibition was nothing short of incredible.
We are excited for this year's show to be represented by radio and TV media outlets, podcast channels, and online influencer personalities. Interviews were conducted with a variety of staff and exhibitors, and we look forward to sharing even more photos, videos, and social media content than ever before to enhance the overall goals of our community. The hard work of the folks in our industry is what makes this show so memorable, and we look forward to expanding its impact each and every year. We would like to extend major gratitude to all 2025 show sponsors. We can't wait for next year!
Market Update
HardwoodReview Forecasting
The summer doldrums have been complicated by the early-Aug final tariff resolutions, unresolved trade tensions with China, and the still-to-be-announced Section 232 investigation results, either of the latter of which could throw today’s relative
calm back into chaos. Yet the current “calm” in lumber demand and sales is not where the industry needs to be. China’s buying response to the most recent tariff truce extension did not match the first, and the window for safe shipping is largely closed again awaiting the next shoe to drop on Nov 10. If not for the relative strength of White Oak and Red Oak, U.S. hardwood lumber exports would have been down 21% through Jul. Though both of those species saw the same Apr, May and Jun setbacks as most others, they were far less pronounced in White Oak, as China only accounts for 14% of global demand.
Domestic distribution yards and smaller manufacturers of moulding and cabinets will continue to fare better than most other business types over the next several months, with many saying they’ve been relatively immune to impacts from the trade situation. Solid hardwood continues to lose market share to look-alikes in the flooring sector, however, and the quarter-point. Fed rate cut won’t do much to float the housing boat.
Legislative Update
The following is brought to us by our national partner, the Forest Resources Association (FRA)
FRA Legislative Fly-In Rescheduled to February 24–26, 2026
Due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, FRA made the difficult decision to reschedule next week’s in-person Legislative Fly-In to February 24–26, 2026. If these new dates open the door for you to attend, you can register here. Although the in-person Fly-In is postponed, FRA will still hold its virtual Executive Committee meeting and virtual Board of Directors meeting on October 7 as planned. The Board meeting is open to all FRA members and will be held at 1:45 p.m. ET. Please CLICK HERE to register and attend. Although a shutdown restricts physical access to Capitol Hill, our advocacy efforts will continue without pause. FRA’s Issue Updates and Action Alertsremain valuable tools to keep you informed about policies affecting the wood supply chain and to help you engage directly with your elected officials on the issues that matter most to our industry. We appreciate your understanding and continued support as we adapt to this unexpected development. FRA remains committed to advocating for the forest products supply chain and ensuring your voice is heard on Capitol Hill. We look forward to welcoming members to Washington, D.C. in February.
Government Funding
At 12:01 am on Wednesday, funding for large swaths of government operations lapsed as Congress failed to reach a consensus on a short-term Continuing Resolution (CR) to extend the existing CR past September 30. The Senate voted on two CRs on October 1, both of which fell well short of the 60 votes needed to move forward in the upper chamber. At this point, Republican and Democrat Members of Congress are firmly dug in on their positions, and it appears that a shutdown will last at least a week and likely longer. Contingency plans submitted by federal agencies and departments included Reduction-in-Force provisions, and we are closely monitoring their development, particularly for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Forest Service, and other federal agencies and departments with which we work closely. We remain hopeful that this funding lapse will be brief, allowing Congress and the Administration to refocus their attention on policy priorities important to our sector and the country.
Federal Lands- Timber Sales to Continue During Shutdown
The USDA has issued its “Lapse of Funding Plan,” detailing operational procedures during the government shutdown. As mandated by the Office of Management and Budget, the plan identifies Department functions that may continue despite the lapse in appropriations. Notably, the document confirms that certain activities—including timber sales—will remain supported throughout the shutdown.“Implementation of Executive Order (EO) 14225, Immediate Expansion of American Timber Production to increase domestic timber production to protect our national and economic security (USDA, Lapse of Funding Plan, Sept. 30, 2025, pg. 19).” Follow-up conversations with Forest Service employees confirm that timber management activities, including active operations, sale openings, sale awards, and timber sale bids, will continue during the shutdown.
Section 232 on Timber and Lumber
On Tuesday, the Trump Administration announced the completion of its Section 232 national security investigation into lumber, timber, and derivative products, which was originally opened in March. The Administration, in conjunction with the Department of Commerce, determined that wood products are being imported into the United States in such quantities and in such a manner that it is affecting national security. As a result, President Trump will impose a 10% tariff on softwood lumber, a 25% tariff on certain upholstered furniture that will increase to 30% on January 1, and a 25% tariff on kitchen cabinets and vanities, which will increase to 50% on the same date.We expect to see the report from Commerce in the coming days, as well as formal Federal Register guidance, consistent with previous 232 investigation announcement rollouts.
Other notable items are:
Trading partners who negotiate with the United States to address the threat of wood imports to the country's national security may be able to secure an alternative to the pending tariff increases.
The United Kingdom, the European Union, and Japan will enjoy more favorable treatment that reflects the terms of their trade deals with the United States.
The Section 232 tariff on subject wood imports from the United Kingdom will not exceed 10%.
The combined Section 232 tariff and most-favored nation tariff on subject wood imports from the European Union and Japan will not exceed 15%.
Products that are not subject to these Section 232 tariffs will generally be subject to reciprocal tariffs instead.
The treatment of products on the list of Potential Tariff Adjustments for Aligned Partners (PTAAP) remains unchanged unless an antidumping or countervailing duty order applies.
Imports of hardwood do not appear to be impacted unless it is included as a component of furniture or cabinets.
The fact sheet may be found here: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Addresses the Threat to National Security from Imports of Timber, Lumber, and Their Derivative Products – The White House In other Section 232 news, the Department of Commerce issued a noticeregarding an investigation into the national security implications of imports of robotics and industrial machinery. According to the notice, the investigation encompasses robots and programmable, computer-controlled mechanical systems, including Computer Numerical Controlled (CNC) machining centers, turning and milling machines, grinding and deburring equipment, and industrial stamping and pressing machines. The investigation also includes automatic tool changers, jigs and fixtures, and machine tools for cutting, welding, and handling work pieces. The notice includes several questions on which commenters are asked to provide their opinions. Specifically, Commerce seeks information on domestic production and demand, the role and risks of major foreign exporters, and the impact of foreign government subsidies and trade practices on the robotics and industrial machinery market. The questions also probe into the effects of current trade policies related to robotics and industrial equipment and whether further measures, such as tariffs and quotas, are needed to protect national security. The impact of robotics and industrial machinery on U.S. manufacturing employment, as well as whether the supply chain for such goods is susceptible to foreign exploitation or control, are also areas of interest. Comments on this 232 investigation are due October 17, 2025.
Safety Update
Sedgwick Safety Services
Complimentary Workers’ Compensation Quote from Sedgwick
This is the time of year when you undoubtedly receive multiple phone calls, emails and hardcopy mail promoting workers' compensation programs. Our endorsed partner, Sedgwick, helps members save significantly on workers' compensation premiums and provides valuable advice to our members who are navigating Ohio’s workers' compensation system. Sedgwick’s clients annually save $160 million in workers’ compensation premium through their Group Rating and Group Retrospective Rating Programs. Sedgwick not only offers the savings but expert guidance of all areas of worker’ compensation including claims management as well as other cost containment programs.
If you are not participating in this member benefit, you can request a no-cost, no-obligation analysis of your potential savings. Please contact your Sedgwick program manager Peyton Rosier at peyton.rosier@sedgwick.com or phone 614-506-8195.
Additional Links
NEOFA Newsletter
ECOFA Newsletter
Sedgwick Safety Article
Upcoming Events
Wednesday, October 8, 2025 | |
Southeastern Ohio Loggers Chapter Meeting 10/8/2025 Location: Shawn Sexton's Lodge, Jackson, Ohio Time: 6:00 PM | |
Thursday, October 30, 2025 | |
Tuesday, November 11, 2025 | |
Wednesday, November 12, 2025 | |
Thursday, November 20, 2025 | |
Scioto River Valley Loggers Chapter Meeting 11/20/2025 Location: Scioto Township Fire Hall, Wakefield, Ohio Time: 7:00 PM | |
Saturday, January 24, 2026 | |
1/24/2026 Location: Lancaster, Ohio Time: 9:00 AM | |
Wednesday, March 11, 2026 | |
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