ESFPA E-News

Last Chance to Register for Final 2025 ESFPA Regional Meetings

ESFPA will be hosting a total of 6 Regional Meetings across NY State this fall, with our final meetings being held this week. This year, we’re aiming for a more informal approach; our focus is on creating a relaxed, social atmosphere where we can connect with loggers and hear your thoughts. There will be no formal speakers, and most of the meetings will be held in more casual venues with more casual snack food. We'd love for you to join us! 

The remaining schedule of Regional Meetings is as follows:

Meeting #4– Cortland

• Date: Tuesday, September 30th
• Location: Gutchess Cortland—890 Mclean Rd, Cortland, NY 13045
• Time: 5:30pm
• Cost Per Person: $10

Meeting #5– Deposit

• Date: Wednesday, October 1st
• Location: Cannonsville Lumber— 199 Old Rte 10, Deposit, NY 13754
• Time: 5:30pm
• Cost Per Person: $10

Meeting #6– Lake George

• Date: Thursday, October 2nd 
• Location: Courtyard Marriott Lake George—365 Canada St, Lake George, NY 12845
• Time: 5:30pm
• Cost Per Person: $40

Registration for all meetings is required. To register, please call (518) 703-5797. NYLT continuing education credits will be awarded to participants.

If you have any comments or questions, please feel free to contact us at (518) 463-1297 or at gabriella@esfpa.org. We hope you can join us and are looking forward to seeing you!

ESFPA Launches YouTube Channel

ESFPA is pleased to announce the launch of our new YouTube channel, created as a new way to share updates, resources, and other information with our members. We plan to provide weekly video updates highlighting things such as important developments within the forest products industry, legislative and regulatory news, and upcoming events.

By creating this channel, our goal is to make it easier for members to stay informed and engaged. We encourage you to subscribe, tune in regularly, and share our content with others.

Click the link below to watch our first video:

Tariff Update

Yesterday, President Donald J. Trump signed a Proclamation invoking Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 to impose tariffs on imports of timber, lumber, and their derivative products (wood products) to bolster American industry and protect national security. The proclamation imposes:

• A 10% global tariff on imports of softwood lumber.
• A 25% global tariff on certain upholstered furniture, which will increase to 30% on January 1.
• A 25% global tariff on kitchen cabinets and vanities, which will increase to 50% on January 1.

Trading partners who negotiate with the United States to address the threat of wood imports to the national security of the United States 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 instead to reciprocal tariffs.

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.

Canadian reactions are that the tariffs will drive up lumber costs, making housing less affordable for American families. This will particularly hit the eastern United States hard.

Reactions to the proclamation continue to unfold.  The Hardwood Federation has indicated "Imports of hardwood do not appear to be impacted unless it is included as a component of furniture or cabinets."

We will continue to monitor reactions and impacts of the new tariffs.