AWFS® Publicly Comments on USMCA and Woodworking Tariffs

In October 2025 AWFS^® staff and leadership got together to discuss member views on the first public review of the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and the White House’s new tariffs on cabinetry, furniture, and related goods. Members from a several parts of the wood industry weighed in, including: materials, machinery, cabinetry, and other suppliers. AWFS^® worked with its lobbyists at LobbyIt to craft our message and send it to Congress for review. Here is what AWFS^® put forth:

To Whom It May Concern,

The Association of Woodworking & Furnishing Suppliers^® (AWFS^®) appreciates the opportunity to provide input regarding the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Our industry is highly interconnected across North America, and USMCA has played an important role in maintaining the stability of these supply chains. We believe the agreement has generally functioned as intended, helping promote a competitive manufacturing environment while supporting jobs in all three countries. 

Our members strongly support efforts to reinforce domestic manufacturing. The woodworking and furnishing supply chain is increasingly investing in U.S. facilities, automation, and workforce development, and we share the goal of growing jobs and production capacity here at home. At the same time, many businesses face ongoing workforce challenges and rely on cross-border inputs that are not currently available at scale in the U.S. For example, Canadian lumber and panel products remain essential due to limitations in U.S. milling capacity and labor availability, and specialized machinery and equipment cannot be sufficiently produced domestically. These practical constraints make gradual, predictable policy adjustments particularly important to avoid broader disruptions. 

In recent years, tariff changes have had a significant impact on manufacturing and investment decisions throughout the sector. Targeted actions against unfair trade practices have helped level the playing field for domestic manufacturers, especially where imported products have been entering the market at unusually low prices. However, many suppliers have experienced cost increases and uncertainty that make it more difficult to sustain hiring, invest in equipment, and meet the needs of downstream customers. Because the woodworking and furnishings industry is made up largely of small and medium-sized businesses, sudden shifts in tariff rates can have significant operational impacts that may ultimately affect consumers.

Our members consistently emphasize the value of the U.S. relationship with Canada and Mexico. Trade within North America generally reflects comparable labor standards, regulatory compliance, and shared economic objectives under USMCA. Maintaining constructive, mutually beneficial trade across the region supports resiliency, encourages investment, and strengthens our collective ability to compete globally. We therefore believe that any future trade actions affecting USMCA partners should be carefully evaluated to avoid unintended disruptions. 

We respectfully encourage USTR to continue pursuing a balanced approach that advances the competitiveness of U.S. manufacturers while supporting the stability of established supply chains. We believe that strong enforcement against proven unfair trade practices (such as price undercutting and dumping), clear and timely communication from the federal government, and consideration of product availability when designing tariff rates and exemptions will help ensure that policy decisions meet their intended goals. AWFS^® supports this administration’s goals of strengthening US labor and manufacturing, but urges clarity, balance, and transparency to avoid disrupting the broader supply chain or slowing economic momentum.

We appreciate the opportunity to provide feedback and remain committed to working constructively with the administration to strengthen American manufacturing. AWFS^® and our members stand ready to participate in further dialogue to ensure that USMCA continues to support economic growth, fair competition, and a reliable supply of high-quality products for American consumers.

Sincerely,

AWFS^® Leadership