IWPA Fly-In Gives Industry An Opportunity To Educate Policymakers About Tariff Impacts
By Joseph L. O’Donnell, Senior Director, Government and Public Affairs International Wood Products Association
Can you remember a day when tariff uncertainty wasn’t directly impacting your operations? I sure can’t. I think we’ve all grown weary of the 232, IEEPA, 301, 122, AD/CVD jumble. President Trump’s enthusiasm for tariffs is one of the defining aspects of his presidency, but we know that the uncertainty about the current tariff landscape and how it could change is hurting American companies that source abroad.
Too few policymakers, be they senior Trump Administration officials, federal agency bureaucrats, Members of Congress or their staff members, understand the unique role that imported wood products play in supporting U.S. manufacturing and jobs. That is why it is essential for the industry to join together in our nation’s capital and share their perspectives with these policymakers. We at IWPA accomplish this by bringing our industry together each fall in Washington, D.C. at IWPA’s Fall Fly-In. This year’s Fly-In, which will be held from September 15 – 17, will include briefings with policymakers and experts on critical topics impacting the global timber trade as well as a full day on Capitol Hill meeting with Representatives, Senators, and staff to highlight the essential role your companies play in their districts.
The companies you lead and the jobs they support are critical to the health of your community, and your congressional delegation needs to understand how their actions impact the work you do. These meetings are vital in putting faces and names to the policy issues we seek their help on throughout the year. In addition to highlighting the negative impact of tariff uncertainty, we will urge them to push for transparency and accountability in Lacey Act enforcement at ports of entry.
The IWPA staff will make sure each participant is armed with the information and know-how they need to be an effective advocate for our industry. We will hold a pre-Fly-In advocacy webinar to educate participants on the topics we will discuss as well as mock Capitol Hill meetings so every participant, whether this is your first IWPA Fly-In or your twentieth, will know exactly what to expect.
Whether you can join us in Washington D.C. this September or not, know that IWPA is tirelessly advocating for your interests in the halls of Congress and championing our industry that supports so many jobs around the country.
