DHA eNews – Canadian Plywood Manufacturers File Trade Case Against China
Canadian plywood manufacturers have filed a new trade complaint, challenging dumping and subsidies on hardwood from China. Their previous case had disappointing results, due to relatively weak Canadian policy that has benefited Chinese manufacturers. This has allowed dumped and subsidized plywood products access to the North American market. Hopefully, this case will have a better outcome.
In three weeks, we'll kick off the 2026 DHA Annual Meeting. I'm looking forward to seeing our long-time members as well as our new members. Speaking of new members, please join me in welcoming our newest members, Dubuc & Co and Thiesing Veneer.
If you have questions or comments, contact me. I look forward to hearing from you.
Keith A. Christman, President
The Canadian Hardwood Plywood and Veneer Association and Columbia Forest Products, supported by Commonwealth Plywood and Rockshield Engineered Wood Products, have filed a trade complaint with the Canada Border Services Agency against China. The complaint alleges that decorative plywood from China has been both dumped and subsidized. On April 10, the CBSA officially initiated an investigation.
On April 15, the Coalition for Fair Trade in Hardwood Plywood submitted comments supporting tariffs under the Section 301 investigations. "The acts, policies, and practices of investigated economies, including Cambodia, China, Malaysia, Indonesia, Russia, Thailand, and Vietnam, have created and maintained structural excess capacity in the wood products sector, the effects of which burden and restrict U.S. commerce."
Recent feedback from European stakeholders confirmed that the European Commission is unlikely to change the current language of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Last year’s amendment required the European Commission to propose further changes to simplify the EUDR by the end of April, but the Commission has reiterated that it does not plan to revise the regulation again.
Export Development Canada has paid out $2.1 billion through its Trade Impact Program, supporting approximately 800 Canadian companies in the face of tariffs, shifting global trade dynamics, and ongoing market uncertainty. $1.8 billion was disbursed in 2025, with an additional $337 million paid out so far this year.
On April 13, U.S. Customs & Border Protection published instructions for importers to submit IEEPA tariff refund requests using the new Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries tool. As of April 20, importers of record and brokers may submit eligible declarations. For the latest information about IEEPA refunds and CAPE, visit the new IEEPA Duty Refunds webpage.
The Canadian government seeks to resolve trade issues with the Trump administration in one comprehensive agreement instead of one-off deals. A recent report by the U.S. Trade Representative flagged issues including Canada's supply-managed dairy system, regulations affecting U.S. tech firms, and other long-standing trade concerns. On dairy policy, Canada doubled down, passing additional legislation just last year.
In February, the European Union's total trade surplus shrank by 60%. Exports to the U.S. fell the most — by more than 25% — with U.S. import tariffs of 15% affecting most EU goods. Imports from the U.S. into the EU declined by about 3%.
The U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities recently announced a $5 million funding opportunity to connect underutilized wood fiber with new buyers, strengthen regional supply chains, and keep working forests economically viable. Proposals are due by May 22.
American Hardwood Assured, with the help of AI, generates a statement at the shipment level that confirms a negligible risk of illegal harvesting or deforestation at the source. This can be shared along with customs documentation or accessed by QR code at any point in the supply chain.
Capital Testing has partnered with the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association to offer comprehensive cabinet testing as part of KCMA's cabinet certification program. The program is already in full swing, testing cabinets in accordance with ANSI/KCMA A161.1, the industry's performance standard for kitchen cabinets.
A federal judge refused to stop logging on a Southwest Oregon forest project that allows for the harvest of more than 8,000 acres of commercial timber. While a lawsuit raised "serious questions" about errors in the environmental analysis of the project, the judge ruled that those problems aren't enough to stop logging. The U.S. Bureau of Land Management has authorized several timber sales to reduce excessive forest stand density and provide a sustained supply of logs.
A study published this month by researchers at the University of Vermont found that tree loss from natural causes in the Northeast now outpaces harvest-caused loss by nearly 40%. The reversal has happened in just 15 years.
Which country just launched one of the most unique forestry campaigns we’ve seen?