DHA eNews – DHA Shows How Hardwood Plywood Trade Cases Bring Fairness To Plywood Trade
Have you noticed the trend in recent weeks of new members joining Decorative Hardwoods Association? I’m pleased to see the trend continue. Please join me in welcoming new veneer manufacturers VanHout USA, Amos Hill, and Re/New Lumber Company.
As one of these new members recently highlighted, with the challenges we're facing in our industry, it is essential that we stay strong together. If you're not a member, please contact me to discuss the benefits of becoming a DHA member and what you are missing.
If you have questions or comments, contact me. I look forward to hearing from you.
Keith A. Christman, President
In the summer issue of Surface and Panel Magazine, DHA President Keith Christman discussed recent hardwood plywood trade cases. The article explains the impact of the preliminary antidumping and countervailing duty rulings by the U.S. Department of Commerce and why they mark a major turning point for the industry.
On May 27, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative said it will begin the first of three rounds of trade negotiations with Mexico to update the United States-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) trade agreement. While the U.S. and Canada have had some discussions about the USMCA, no formal negotiations have been scheduled.
On May 21, the National Association of Home Builders told Congress that increasing housing supply is essential to improve affordability and make housing more attainable. NAHB estimates the country is facing a structural shortage of about 1.2 million homes.
18 EU organizations, including timber, panel, and packaging groups, have made a final, urgent call for changes to create an EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) Information System "without flaws and technical constraints, aligned with business practice," before the EUDR goes into effect in December.
The U.S. government has begun refunding billions of dollars in tariff payments to U.S. importers after the Supreme Court struck down tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The total amount that must be returned to importers is estimated to be between $130 billion and $175 billion.
Global container spot rates increased yet again as carriers continue to pass through higher costs due to the war involving Iran. The World Container Index grew by 4% to $2,655 per 40-foot container in its May 28 assessment, continuing the upward trend after disruptions in the Middle East sent fuel costs rising earlier this year.
Vietnam's exporters have targeted at least 45 new markets to reduce their exposure to U.S. tariffs, which include antidumping and countervailing duties on hardwood plywood. Vietnam's wood and wood product exports reached $1.43 billion in April, up by 3% vs. March but down by 1% vs. last year. Exports from January through April totaled $5.4 billion, up by 0.4% vs. last year; furniture exports reached $3.1 billion, down by 6%.
The Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association has initiated the reaffirmation process for the ANSI/KCMA A161.1 Performance and Construction Standard for Kitchen and Vanity Cabinets. Per ANSI procedure, KCMA has sent a pre-canvass interest survey to those who participated in the development and revision of the 2022 standard.
While total U.S. manufacturing activity grew in April for the fourth consecutive month, the wood products sector fell behind again. The wood products industry is one of three industries still shrinking, reporting declines in new orders, production, inventory, imports, and employment.
Oregon's mild winter temperatures have continued through spring. As a result, the invasive emerald ash borer is maturing faster and emerging weeks earlier than usual.
In February, Montana's Forest Service capitalized on low snowpack to begin prescribed burns, using drones to ignite fires in areas that are hard to reach on foot. The drones carry a dispenser that drops thousands of tiny plastic spheres used to ignite prescribed burns.
Experts estimate that nearly 10% of Canada's forests were destroyed by wildfires between 2023 and 2025, losing trees faster than nature can grow them or people can plant them. The Canadian Tree Nursery Association says that it would take 7.3 billion seedlings to replace just 15% of what was burned.
How many species of trees are endangered in the U.S.? What hardwood species do these include?