Recently, a significant piece of news has attracted global attention in the timber industry. Trump announced that starting from October 14, a 10% tariff will be imposed on imported softwood logs and timber. This decision ostensibly targets Canada, but in reality, it exposes the deep-seated crisis in American manufacturing and also triggers shocks in the global supply chain.

This move has had a significant impact on the domestic market in the United States. Currently, nearly one-third of the softwood lumber in the U.S. is dependent on imports from Canada. The new tariff policy will lead to a substantial increase in the cost of building log homes, with the cost per log home expected to rise by $28,000. Furthermore, the cost of new residential construction will also increase by approximately $12,000. Even more concerning is that domestic sawmills in the U.S. can only meet 60% of market demand, which is far from enough to fill the gap caused by reduced imports.

Although this policy has its political considerations, its negative impacts have already begun to surface. The unemployment rate in the timber industry has soared to 12.3%, and some companies are even planning to move their production lines overseas. Moreover, this decision may also affect the U.S. military's procurement plans and the implementation of disaster relief efforts.

Canada is also not to be outdone, stating that it will file a lawsuit with the World Trade Organization (WTO) regarding this matter. At the same time, alternative solutions such as bamboo fiber boards and carbon fiber barracks have started to emerge in the market to cope with the potential shortage of timber.

Analysts point out that the recent policy decision by the United States seems to contradict basic economic principles. This could not only undermine America's position in the global manufacturing sector but also trigger broader economic issues. This move has also raised questions about whether trade protectionist policies can truly achieve the desired effects.

With the development of the situation, there are still many uncertainties in the direction of the global timber market. Governments and related enterprises in various countries are closely monitoring the progress of the situation and formulating corresponding response strategies. This event once again highlights the interdependence of the global economy and the profound impact of trade policies on the economies of various countries.