The tariffs are part of the ongoing Section 232 investigation into industrial machinery and targets machinery not made — or not made at scale — in the U.S.
Aug. 22, 2026 - A coalition of 24 forest value chain organizations urged Secretary of Commerce, Howard Lutnick, to exempt specialized manufacturing machinery from tariffs. The tariffs are part of the ongoing Section 232 investigation into industrial machinery and targets machinery not made — or not made at scale — in the U.S.
The coalition includes:
Tariffs on this equipment would raise costs for U.S. pulp and paper manufacturers with few or no domestic alternatives. Imported industrial paper manufacturing equipment is essential to maintaining and expanding U.S. mill operations and strengthening competitiveness.
Most of this specialized equipment is sourced globally because the U.S. does not have the domestic production capacity required to produce it. Companies planning projects right now may have to make difficult decisions in the future if tariffs on the equipment they need to order are increased because of this investigation.
AF&PA stated, "Maintaining reliable access to these technologies will support ongoing capital investment, mill modernization, and the long-term competitiveness of the U.S. forest products sector. It will also provide the certainty needed to sustain and grow high-quality manufacturing jobs in rural communities nationwide."
The Section 232 investigation is officially concluded. A decision on remedies, including possible tariffs, could be announced anytime by the Secretary of Commerce and the White House.
The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) serves to advance public policies that foster economic growth, job creation and global competitiveness for a vital sector that makes the essential paper and packaging products Americans use every day.
The U.S. forest products industry employs more than 925,000 people, largely in rural America, and is among the top 10 manufacturing sector employers in 44 states. Our industry accounts for approximately 4.7% of the total U.S. manufacturing GDP, manufacturing more than $435 billion in products annually. AF&PA member companies are significant producers and users of renewable biomass energy and are committed to making sustainable products for a sustainable future through the industry's decades-long initiative — Better Practices, Better Planet 2030.
SOURCE: AF&PA