U.S. Paper Industry Seeks Exemption from EU Deforestation Rule

The U.S. paper and pulp industry is lobbying the Trump administration to secure a 'deforestation-free' status from the EU. This status would ease compliance with the EU's new anti-deforestation rules, which ban imports linked to forest destruction. Industry leaders argue the regulations are costly and impose unnecessary burdens on U.S. exporters.

The U.S. paper and pulp industry is pushing President Donald Trump's administration to convince the European Union to classify the United States as deforestation-free. This proposed status could simplify the compliance process for U.S. exporters under the EU's stringent environmental rules, set to take effect in December.

The EU's upcoming anti-deforestation policy will prohibit imports of goods tied to forest destruction, and its implementation has already faced delays due to resistance from various trade partners. Heidi Brock, CEO of the American Forest and Paper Association (AF&PA), has voiced concerns about the challenges and costs the regulation might impose on U.S. companies.

Despite efforts to address these concerns, the EU policy currently lacks a 'deforestation-free' category. The law will assess countries as high, standard, or low-risk. Consequently, U.S. companies may still need to perform due diligence and undergo inspections to meet EU standards, despite their lobbying efforts.

(With inputs from agencies.)