Maine Senators Susan Collins (R) and Angus King (I) sent a joint letter to several key Trump Administration officials seeking support for the state’s forest products industry as many companies are struggling to adapt to the imposition of tariffs.
The senators note that Maine’s forest products economy is “deeply entwined” Canada, meaning that a great deal of product moves back and forth across the border every day.
Their joint letter was addressed to numerous Trump Administration officials, including: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.
A summary published in February of this year by the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) shows that the forest products industry is responsible for 2.5 percent of Maine’s gross regional product, higher than the industry’s national share of .8 percent.
Supporting 13,669 jobs in 2024, the forest products industry accounts for 1.8 percent of the state’s total employment.
From 2019 to 2024, this sector saw a six percent decrease in jobs, dropping by 817 during this period.
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“This industry is part of Maine’s heritage, boosting our state’s economy, creating thousands of good-paying jobs in rural communities, and providing essential products to consumers across the United States,” the senators wrote. “As such, we request that the Administration provide immediate and meaningful relief to this industry, which is already struggling to survive.”
The lawmakers go on to note that last year alone, two million tons of wood were exported, while the state imported 2.3 million tons, with goods moving primarily to and from Canada.
“Shortly after the timber and lumber tariffs went into effect on October 14, 2025, forestry products and shipments from Maine exporters were unable to reach their destination, causing widespread confusion and disrupting supply chains,” the senators wrote.
Explaining that they are aware of the Trump Administration’s intention to consider relief for industries unable to withstand the impact of the tariffs, Sens. Collins and King advocate for the inclusion of the forest products industry in any relief that is eventually provided.
“We are supportive of the Administration’s goal to strengthen domestic manufacturing and the U.S. forestry industry,” they said. “However, as trade negotiations continue, we ask that you provide prompt relief to our hardworking forestry product manufacturers so they can thrive now and for years to come.”
