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Trade takes center stage again in Washington, D.C., and around the globe as President Trump reached several agreements with China and other nations in Asia. China's government has agreed to resume purchasing hardwood logs. On November 5, the Supreme Court will hear the case challenging reciprocal tariffs. DHA continues to work to influence trade policy by providing insights and context in our comments to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative on foreign trade barriers and the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Free Trade Agreement. …

As of today, the shutdown of the federal government continues, limiting activity here in Washington, DC, to those things considered essential. Fortunately, preventing wildfires and getting EPA out of the way of prescribed burns have passed the essential test, as have timber sales.

The Section 232 tariffs on cabinets and furniture kicked in on October 14. The U.S. cabinet industry could really use the help, with sales down by nearly 15% through August. Reports suggest that IKEA is looking to increase U.S. production…

On September 29, President Trump announced the long-awaited Section 232 tariffs on wood products. Despite DHA's advocacy for tariffs on hardwood plywood, engineered wood flooring, and hardwood veneer imports, these products were not included in the first round. But, the announcement includes a procedure for adding more wood products.

The top agenda item in Washington these days is funding the federal government for 2026 and preventing a government shutdown when funding runs out at the end of this month. A shutdown became much more likely when Democrats failed to provide votes for a clean continuing resolution that would fund the government at existing levels. Sixty votes are needed in the Senate to pass the legislation. Democrats are pushing for an additional $1 trillion in healthcare spending as a condition for keeping the government open.

Tariff discussions and litigation continue to dominate the news. President Trump's reciprocal tariffs were ruled unlawful by a U.S. appeals court. This tees up the issue to be decided by the U.S. Supreme Court.