United to Make the Hardwood Voice Heard | Hardwood Federation

The U.S. hardwood industry is comprised mainly of small and medium-sized companies, many of which are family-owned and often operate across multiple generations. We are a community of industrious people focused on creating the best products possible, hiring the best talent, and establishing businesses that serve as catalysts for local strength. Our focus is on the company, the employees, and the family—not the machinations of government, at least not until recently.

Out of necessity, the hardwood industry has become more vocal and more willing to engage. It is a challenging, time-consuming, and often frustrating process. The wheels of government, at any level, rarely turn quickly or efficiently. However, engagement is key if change is to be realized.

The challenges facing hardwood companies over the past several years are serious and complex, but we have learned that remaining silent does not lead to better times or relief. For more than 20 years, the Hardwood Federation has been central to representing the industry at the federal level, achieving notable wins along the way. In times of unprecedented headwinds, however, our industry has found new ways to engage more directly—and we at the Hardwood Federation are deeply grateful for the many NHLA members who have rallied behind our efforts.

Since the polls closed in November 2024, our focus has centered on trade, tariffs, and their very real impact on the U.S. hardwood sector, particularly on hardwood mills. Immediately following the 2024 elections, we shifted our attention to the potential implications of trade and tariff policies under the incoming Trump Administration. Working closely with members of our Board and the team at the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC), we developed a proposed formula for trade-related relief as well as informational materials about the impacts of the 2018–2019 trade dispute with China.

Before the inauguration, I, along with our consultant Pat Rita, met with key members of Congress and their staff to remind—or in some cases, educate—them about those impacts. This included the House and Senate Chairs of Agriculture and Natural Resources, as well as the House Ways and Means and Senate Finance Committees. Over the years, we have established strong relationships with many of these members, and as new Administration officials have been appointed, we have continued those conversations—focusing on the White House, Commerce, the U.S. Trade Representative, and Agriculture.

Our industry stands behind us and continues to look for ways to help. To strengthen our advocacy, a group of HF Board Members and hardwood companies raised additional funds in June to support a multi-month contract with Monument Advocacy, bringing greater depth, resources, and contacts to our work. This collaboration has led to further meetings with Administration officials—particularly at the U.S. Department of Agriculture—and to the development of new materials showcasing the economic impact of the U.S. hardwood industry and its role in local communities, along with a new website targeted at policymakers.

On Tuesday, October 14, we transmitted a letter to Trump Administration officials making the case that U.S. hardwood companies should be included in any trade assistance programs addressing agricultural industries negatively impacted by trade and tariff policies. While the farming community—particularly soybean producers—has received significant attention as exports have slowed, it is essential that decision-makers at the highest levels recognize that the hardwood industry, a vital agricultural sector, is also struggling in uncertain global markets. The letter was sent to U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutkin, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. More than 450 hardwood mills, manufacturers, yards, logging companies, and suppliers signed the letter.

The incredible number of signatures drew significant attention from the press. Making noise gets results. Articles from home states are now being shared with Members of Congress to ensure that the concerns raised by the industry are not overlooked. And we are not done yet. Monument continues to share the letter with state and local press outlets and connect hardwood industry members with journalists upon request. Capturing attention in a world of endless noise is no small feat—but once the door opens, it rarely closes again.

To supplement our press outreach, we are also reactivating our presence on X (formerly Twitter) to raise awareness about the trade and tariff-related challenges currently facing our industry. Our partners at Monument Advocacy are posting regularly to highlight the benefits that U.S. hardwood companies bring to rural America and the U.S. manufacturing economy, as well as how current policies threaten the viability of our sector. You can find us at @TheHardwoodFed.

Industry engagement makes a difference. When you see our posts, please consider liking, reposting, and commenting from your company accounts (and personal ones if you’re comfortable). You can also tag @TheHardwoodFed in your own posts about the industry so we can engage and amplify your message.

Running a business is a full-time job, but political engagement has become an increasingly important and necessary part of maintaining and growing that business. The Hardwood Federation will continue to focus its advocacy efforts on raising awareness of the current challenges facing the industry. We will also continue to emphasize the need for trade agreements that support exports or provide bridge support to sustain hardwood operations until such deals can be achieved.

We are encouraged by the increased interest in joining our efforts and will continue working to expand opportunities for members and employees to engage. Thank you to everyone who has supported the Hardwood Federation as we make every effort to address today’s challenges and secure a stronger future for the hardwood industry.

By DANA COLE, Executive Director of the Hardwood Federation