DHA Insights: July 23, 2026
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 lower than U.S. raw materials costs - it seems obvious to me that the U.S. industry and workers are injured. And, of course, we have seen several mill closures that prove this injury. Mark your calendar for the final USITC ruling on August 19.
One of the ways Indonesia subsidizes its industry is through its ban on the export of logs. Meanwhile, U.S. log exports to China now exceed hardwood lumber exports to China. Our U.S. logs come back into our country as hardwood plywood, cabinets, furniture, and other finished products.
On July 20, President Trump announced new 50% duties on Canadian goods that appear to apply to hardwood plywood, among other goods. There are some exemptions that we are still reviewing.
If you have questions or comments, contact me. I look forward to hearing from you.
Keith A. Christman, President
PHOTO © JERRY GLASER, USCBP