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US President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation adjusting import tariffs on timber, lumber and derivative wood products under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962.
Under the new measure, higher tariffs on certain finished wood products, including upholstered chairs, kitchen cabinets and bathroom cabinetry, have been delayed from January 1, 2026, to January 1, 2027.
At present, Section 232 tariffs stand at 10 per cent for raw timber and 25 per cent for processed wood products. The postponed plan would have raised these rates to 30 per cent and 50 per cent, respectively. The US administration said the delay reflects ongoing trade negotiations and the need to protect economic security and supply chain stability.
Analysts stressed that the decision represents a postponement rather than a suspension of tariffs. Vietnamese wood exporters, who recorded positive growth in shipments to the US in 2025 despite broader challenges, are expected to benefit from the temporary relief, enabling them to maintain orders, stabilise prices and adjust market strategies.
Officials also noted that the delay is legally separate from pending US Supreme Court rulings on reciprocal tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, meaning Section 232 tariffs will continue to apply independently.
However, analysts cautioned that US authorities are still reviewing Section 232 measures on other imports and may introduce further adjustments in 2026, underscoring the need for close monitoring and strategic planning by exporters.
