New changes in US tariffs

Recent changes in US tariffs do not affect softwood lumber tariff rates, but tariffs on hardwood lumber exported to the US should be slightly lower.

Based on the ruling of the Supreme Court of the United States on 20 February 2026, only tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) were ruled illegal. Goods subject to tariffs under Section 232 (such as softwood lumber, with its 10% rate) are unaffected by the recent changes.

The status of hardwood lumber is different: hardwood lumber was not included in the initial September 2025 US President Proclamation announcing Section 232 tariffs on many wood products and thus fell under the IEEPA tariffs. The US Commerce Department is monitoring hardwood lumber imports, with a report due by 1 October 2026, which could increase tariffs on hardwood products.

After the Supreme Court ruling, President Trump has imposed a new 10% tariff under section 122 for a period of 150 days, on top of the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) tariff rate (which for hardwood is 0%).

In short, both softwood and hardwood lumber exported from the EU to the US should be subject to a 10% tariff rate.

The situation remains fluid and we will keep monitoring this.