NEWS

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.

DHA has added a second continuing education course for architects and designers. We will conduct webinars to help our members present the courses to architects and designers; register for a webinar.

We also reported on the listing of the northern long-eared bat under the Endangered Species Act. A federal court in Northern California recently rejected a Trump-era rule that narrowed the scope of "critical habitat," which might expand the impact of the bat and other endangered species listings and restrictions.

If you have questions or comments, contact me. I look forward to hearing from you.


Keith A. Christman, President
Decorative Hardwoods Association

In May, the U.S. Trade Representative notified DHA that the Biden administration was considering ending some Section 301 tariffs, including the 25% tariffs on imports of hardwood plywood and multilayered wood flooring from China. Broader review of the tariffs on China is required by law after four years, but the Biden administration is also considering removing some tariffs to reduce inflation. The American Manufacturers of Multilayered Wood Flooring and the Coalition for Fair Trade in Hardwood Plywood have both filed comments arguing that Chinese producers of these products benefit from unfair trade practices and have used those artificial advantages to inflict serious harm on U.S. competitors.

Last week, DHA published another AIA-approved continuing education course for architects and designers. "Hardwood Plywood, Engineered Wood Floors, and Hardwood Veneer: The Specifics" discusses the different types of hardwood plywood and veneers and how they are manufactured. Our two courses are available for free online. If you are a DHA member who would like to host and present these courses to your customers, sign up to attend one of our informational webinars on August 4 or August 17.

A federal court has rejected a Trump-era rule that limited the definition of "critical habitat" to areas that currently support protected species, under the Endangered Species Act. This adds legal backing to the Biden administration's decision to withdraw the rule. Now, federal agencies can include areas that can support—but are not occupied by—protected species as "critical habitat."

Vietnam's exports of wood and wood products in June were estimated at $1.03 billion, down 18.1% vs. June 2021. In the first six months of this year, the export value of wood and wood products reached an estimated $8.5 billion, an increase of 2.8% vs. last year. Wood products exports comprised an estimated $6.14 billion of that amount, down 4.6% vs. last year.

U.S. imports of hardwood flooring slowed in April, down 29% from strong performance in March. Imports from most countries fell, with imports from Indonesia and Malaysia down by more than 33% and China and Brazil down by 20%. Total imports, however, are still up 11% year-to-date, and imports from Indonesia are tracking at more than double last year's.

Capital Testing is urging manufacturers of laminated products to start preparing to comply with upcoming formaldehyde regulations. These laminators are currently exempt from the TSCA Title VI certification requirement. However, as of March 22, 2024, producers of laminated products that use an adhesive containing formaldehyde (other than phenol formaldehyde) to apply veneer to a substrate will be considered hardwood plywood producers and must be certified. Get the inside scoop on why it's important to act now.

The Zurich Airport has unveiled the new design for its largest dock. The winning design, created by Danish and U.S. architectural firms, includes a mass timber terminal and control tower and will be made with locally sourced wood. Timber will be used throughout the interior and for the floors and ceilings.

The AHF and Gordon Brothers consortium will acquire nearly all of Armstrong Flooring's North American assets. DHA member AHF plans to continue operating the Lancaster, Kankakee, and Beech Creek locations and will wind down operations at Jackson and Stillwater.

Floor Covering Institute announced the addition of Capital Testing as a new member, noting that Capital Testing is a leader in wood product testing and certification services and has numerous unique programs for new product qualification. Capital Testing offers flame and smoke testing, xenon arc testing, and has an extensive list of physical testing capabilities.

Where and what is the largest known living organism in the world?