US newpaper publishers’ fears of a tariff on newsprint have been complicated by a national security investigation into timber and paper imports

A presidential memo signed on Saturday (March 1) initiates the investigation into US lumber imports and their derivative products, including paper, under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. The report, including recommendations to mitigate any threats and strengthen the industry, is due no later than November 26. This could be added on top of the proposed 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods.

A second executive order instructs interior and agriculture secretaries to “review and issue new regulations on forestry management practices to promote expanded US timber and lumber production.

A final decision on tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China had been expected on Tuesday (March 4) regarding scale and timing.