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Thank you to the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association (KCMA) for standing up for U.S. manufacturers and their domestic suppliers by sending a compelling letter to the U.S. International Trade Commission. In the letter, KCMA's CEO directly refuted importers' false testimony that American-made hardwood plywood is not as well suited for use in cabinet box construction. DHA has also supported U.S. cabinet manufacturers in our trade advocacy over the last several years.

On July 16, we entered the final phases of the antidumping and countervailing duty investigations of hardwood and decorative plywood from China, Indonesia, and Vietnam. The U.S. Commerce Department announced its final affirmative determinations with duties ranging from 28% up to 274%. Concurrently, the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) was conducting its hearing to determine whether the U.S. industry is injured by the dumped and subsidized imports. With the surge in imports we have seen from these countries - at prices often…

Congratulations to our Canadian colleagues on the Tribunal's recent determination that there is a reasonable indication of injury by imports of decorative plywood from China. This is an important step in the Canadian hardwood plywood manufacturers' antidumping and countervailing duty cases against China. Hopefully, this is a sign that Canadian manufacturers will be successful in this case.

We appear to be seeing the impacts of the preliminary antidumping and countervailing duties on imports of hardwood plywood from China, Indonesia and Vietnam. After spikes in recent years, there are significant declines in imports from these countries. However, we may also be starting to see the signs of transshipment through other Asian countries, including Malaysia, Cambodia, and Thailand.

Have you noticed the trend in recent weeks of new members joining Decorative Hardwoods Association? I’m pleased to see the trend continue. Please join me in welcoming new veneer manufacturers VanHout USA and Re/New Lumber Company.