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Keeping up with changes to U.S. trade policy has been challenging over the last couple of months. The bottom line is that most reciprocal tariffs have been paused, leaving rates generally at 10%, except for China. In addition, USMCA-compliant products are still exempt. There is a good summary from the Wiley law firm below. Attorney Tim Brightbill of Wiley will join us at the DHA annual meeting to discuss trade policy and its impacts on our industry. I look forward to seeing you there.

DHA continues to advocate for fair trade in decorative hardwood products. The current administration is providing good opportunities for us to make our case and some unfortunate challenges for our Canadian trade. This week, we filed comments on how imports of wood products affect national security, highlighting the massive negative impact that unfair trade practices—particularly from China and other countries in Asia—have had on our members and our industry.

DHA continues to forcefully advocate for our industry in the realm of international trade. We recently sent comments to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) on issues related to non-reciprocal trade. In recent years, many in our industry have successfully pursued unfair trade cases against China and Vietnam, but U.S. trade law has not kept up. Thus, in our recent comments, DHA advocated for updating trade laws.

Tariffs and trade policy continue to be in the spotlight. Wood products have jumped to the forefront after the administration issued an executive order declaring that the wood products industry is critical to national security. The executive order goes beyond lumber to include imports of cabinets and furniture. DHA will look for opportunities that could benefit our members. 

Over the last two weeks, the Trump administration has continued rapidly executing its game plan for the first 100 days. In our last newsletter, we highlighted the tariff actions on Canada, Mexico, and China that resulted in a pause for Canada and Mexico. In this newsletter, we cover the reciprocal tariff announcement that would match tariffs and other barriers to those of U.S. trading partners. Details are still being developed. DHA will follow this and the Canada actions closely.