On March 10, 2025, the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) officially initiated an investigation under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 to determine whether imports of wood, lumber, and wood-derived products (such as paper, furniture, and wooden cabinets) threaten U.S. national security and whether actions are needed to ensure a reliable, secure, and sustainable domestic supply chain.
Recently, the DOC announced that stakeholders may submit written comments, data, analyses, or other relevant information by April 1, 2025, via the federal portal www.regulations.gov under Docket No. BIS-2025-0011, referencing X-RIN 0694-XC117.
Submission Guidelines
Table of Contents
Stakeholders submitting comments must use the name of the individual or organization as the file name.
If the submission includes confidential business information, the submitter must clearly identify which sections are confidential, explain why the information qualifies as confidential, and cite the legal basis for protection.
-
Confidential submissions must be labeled with “BUSINESS CONFIDENTIAL” at the top of each page, and file names must begin with “BC.”
-
Public versions must be labeled “PUBLIC”, with file names beginning with “P.”
Key Topics for Comment
The DOC encourages stakeholders to provide views and evidence related to the following issues:
-
Current and projected U.S. demand for wood and lumber;
-
Domestic industry capacity to meet U.S. demand for wood products;
-
The role of foreign supply chains in meeting U.S. wood demand;
-
The impact of foreign government subsidies and unfair trade practices on the competitiveness of the U.S. wood and lumber industry;
-
The feasibility of expanding domestic wood production capacity;
-
The effects of current U.S. trade policies on domestic wood manufacturing and whether additional measures(tariffs or quotas) are needed to protect national security;
-
Any other relevant factors affecting the U.S. wood industry.
Background and Process
On March 1, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump issued an executive order directing the DOC to launch this Section 232 investigation.
Under U.S. law, the DOC must consult with the Secretary of Defense and other relevant agencies and submit a final report to the President within 270 days of the executive order.
This report will include:
-
(i) Findings on whether wood, lumber, and related product imports threaten national security;
-
(ii) Recommendations for mitigating such threats, which may include tariffs, export controls, or domestic production incentives;
-
(iii) Policy proposals to strengthen the U.S. wood supply chain through strategic investments and licensing reforms.
Vietnam’s Response
The Ministry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam (MOIT) will continue to work closely with relevant ministries and agencies to monitor the investigation’s progress, and communicate with U.S. authorities through appropriate channels to ensure any U.S. measures, if implemented, address security concerns while maintaining fair and balanced tradebetween the two countries.
Vietnamese manufacturers and exporters to the U.S. are advised to:
-
Closely follow policy updates and investigation developments;
-
Adjust production and business plans accordingly;
-
Cooperate fully with U.S. authorities if contacted;
-
Stay in close contact with MOIT for timely support and guidance.
Contact Information
Trade Remedies Authority of Vietnam (TRAV)
Foreign Trade Remedies Division – Ministry of Industry and Trade
📍 23 Ngo Quyen, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
📧 Email: kiennh@moit.gov.vn / ngocny@moit.gov.vn
📞 Contact Officer: Nguyen Hoang Kien | Mobile: (+84) 94 261 3889