By Ashley Amidon
Executive Director,
International Wood Products Association
Alexandria, VA
(703) 820-7807 (c)
www.iwpawood.org
In the first seven months of his second term, U.S. President Donald Trump has consistently put tariffs at the forefront of his economic strategy. Whether it was the early “punitive” tariffs announced on Canada, Mexico, and China, the Liberation Day “reciprocal” tariffs announced on April 2nd, or the “sectoral” tariffs that have been proposed for several industries including our own under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, it seems like not a single day has gone by without an announcement that could have far reaching impacts on our industry.
With that in mind, we know how essential it is for both associations and individual companies to share their thoughts with both in the Trump Administration and Congress about how trade in globally sourced wood products benefits U.S. manufacturers and consumers alike.
IWPA’s policy team works every day to empower members to help educate those in government about how essential our industry is and continues to be. One of the most prominent ways we do that is by bringing IWPA members together in Washington, DC, at our annual Fall Fly-In. This year’s Fly-In, which will be held from September 16-18, will include briefings with policymakers on critical topics impacting the global timber trade as well as a full day on Capitol Hill meeting with Members of Congress, Senators, and staff to highlight the important role our companies play and how increased tariffs mean more uncertainty and fewer jobs.
Those who travel to Washington will help us build momentum as we work to minimize the negative impact of the Trump tariffs, push for fairness and accountability in Lacey Act enforcement, and retroactive renewal of the Generalized System of Preferences program.
We will make sure each participant, whether it’s your first IWPA Fly-In or your fifteenth, is armed with the information and know-how 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 folks will know exactly what to expect. And we are always willing to chat with members to walk through any questions about how to make the meetings as impactful as possible.
Can’t make it in September? Not a problem. Our team stands ready to work with you to set up in-person meetings any time you find yourself in Washington. We can even set up virtual meetings that you can take from anywhere; just make sure you’re only driving the conversation, not on the road while you do it!
Just know that making your voice heard in Washington is more important than ever. If you have questions about how you can join the fight, please give me a call.
