Tariffs and Timber: Who Really Benefits in Maine’s Lumber Industry?

On a frigid January morning in Enfield, Maine, forklifts quietly traverse the frozen grounds of Pleasant River Lumber’s sawmill, where stacks of softwood lumber are prepared for shipment as far south as Baltimore. This scene reflects more than just routine business—it illustrates how trade policies directly impact American manufacturing and rural livelihoods. Since 2020, Pleasant River Lumber has invested over $100 million into upgrading its mill—a bold bet fueled by new tariffs imposed on Canadian lumber imports during the Trump administration. Brothers Jason and Chris Brochu spearhead this family-run operation, confident that these tariffs finally tilt the playing field back...