West Virginia hardwood businesses ask Trump administration for tariff relief

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (WBOY) — Thirty West Virginia hardwood mills and lumber companies are among a group of businesses that have asked the Trump administration for tariff relief.

According to a press release from the Hardwood Federation, more than 450 American mills signed a letter to the Secretaries of Commerce, Agriculture and Treasury that highlighted the hardships of the hardwood industry.

“We fear that additional retaliatory tariffs and more trade uncertainty could devastate the industry beyond repair,” referencing tariffs that have been periodically applied since President Donald Trump announced his reciprocal tariff plans in April.

“Many operations across the country have already closed this year, while others are surviving only by scaling back. In either case, we have seen layoffs of good-paying American jobs in communities where those job opportunities are limited,” the letter said.

The businesses also referenced ongoing tariffs that have impacted the industry since the previous Trump administration in 2018. The groups said tariffs have caused $930 million decline in hardwood product exports over the past few years.

“We strongly support the Administration’s efforts to reshore American manufacturing but urge you not to overlook a foundational upstream industry that would make that possible,” the businesses told the current administration. “Should tariff relief programs become necessary, we urge the administration to include the U.S. hardwood sector, to safeguard rural jobs, secure a sustainable domestic supply chain, and preserve a proud American industry for generations to come.”

The letter was signed by north central West Virginia businesses in Rowlesburg, Buckhannon, Granville, Belington, Ireland, Morgantown, Horner, Dailey, Hacker, Mill Creek and Fairmont. You can read the full list here.