NEW ZEALAND — The temporary exemption of tariffs on timber and lumber imported into the US provides some relief to New Zealand exporters. Though this exemption could be short lived based on the outcome of the Section 232 investigation aimed at determining the effects imports of timber, lumber and their derivative products have on the US supply chain. Exports of radiata pine products from New Zealand to the US were estimated at $358 million, making the US our third largest export market behind China and Australia. …The exemption comes about through internal US lobbying, by the likes of the American Building Materials Alliance and National Association of Home Builders.  …The administration has recognised that raising costs on timber and lumber would hurt housing affordability and weaken an important supply chain. …We thank our kindred Associations in the US for making this happen. We now wait for completion of the s. 232 investigation.