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In the previous issue, we reported on the Department of Commerce's recent finding that U.S. imports of hardwood plywood from Vietnam circumvented duties. Recent import data highlights the potential impact of this ruling; as you'll see, imports of hardwood plywood from Vietnam are up by more than 90% this year through June. Now, most of these imports will be subject to tariffs of more than 200% as a result of the Department of Commerce's ruling. Imports from Russia—the U.S.’s third largest source of hardwood plywood—have slowed dramatically…

The Coalition for Fair Trade in Hardwood Plywood, which includes many DHA members, recently won an important victory in their trade cases against unfair imports from Vietnam, which have been surging in recent years. In a preliminary finding, the Department of Commerce concluded that importers of multiple types of hardwood plywood are circumventing tariffs assessed on imports from China. Those imports will now be subject to tariffs as high as 200%.

Forests and wood products provide tremendous benefits to society, from storing carbon to reduce climate change to providing warmth and beauty in our built environment. This month, the Real American Hardwood Coalition launched a new public website spotlighting the beauty of hardwoods and their financial benefits to homeowners.

In May, we reported that the White House was considering terminating China's Section 301 tariffs of 25% on imports of hardwood plywood, multilayered wood flooring, and other products. Coalitions, which include many DHA members, have argued that Chinese producers have used artificial advantages to inflict serious harm on U.S. competitors.

Russian wood imports are up dramatically through April despite Russia's war, subsequent tariffs, and other policies. And, imports of birch plywood through Vietnam—likely Russian birch plywood—are up 206%. Unlike plywood imported directly from Russia, imports of birch plywood from Vietnam are coming in duty-free. Wood exports were one of Russia's largest industries prior to the war. The data suggests that more needs to be done to stop imports of Russian wood products.