DHA Insights: November 20, 2025
The federal government shutdown has finally come to an end, lasting a record-setting 43 days and achieving, well, nothing. Flights, economic data, and paychecks for essential government workers were among the casualties of the shutdown.
Another casualty of the shutdown: the deadlines for decisions in the hardwood plywood trade cases, which have now been extended. This delays our industry's much-needed relief from the high volume of dumped and subsidized imports of hardwood plywood from China, Vietnam, and Indonesia. These illegally traded imports have resulted in hardwood companies using only 38% of their manufacturing capacity in 2024 and the subsequent closing of several mills, including Roseburg's last hardwood plywood mill mere weeks ago. Fortunately, the Coalition for Fair Trade in Hardwood Plywood has taken crucial steps to defend the industry by filing critical circumstances allegations, which show that there has been a surge in imports during the case. This could make the effective date of duties retroactive by 90 days.
If you have questions or comments, contact me. I look forward to hearing from you.
Keith A. Christman, President
PHOTO © JERRY GLASER, USCBP