NEWS

The federal government shutdown has finally come to an end, lasting a record-setting 43 days and achieving, well, nothing. Flights, economic data, and paychecks for essential government workers were among the casualties of the shutdown.

Another casualty of the shutdown: the deadlines for decisions in the hardwood plywood trade cases, which have now been extended. This delays our industry's much-needed relief from the high volume of dumped and subsidized imports of hardwood plywood from China, Vietnam, and Indonesia. These illegally traded imports have resulted in hardwood companies using only 38% of their manufacturing capacity in 2024 and the subsequent closing of several mills, including Roseburg's last hardwood plywood mill mere weeks ago. Fortunately, the Coalition for Fair Trade in Hardwood Plywood has taken crucial steps to defend the industry by filing critical circumstances allegations, which show that there has been a surge in imports during the case. This could make the effective date of duties retroactive by 90 days.

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

Keith A. Christman, President

PHOTO © JERRY GLASER, USCBP

The Department of Commerce has changed all deadlines in the hardwood plywood countervailing duty and antidumping cases against China, Vietnam, and Indonesia due to the government shutdown. The new deadline for the preliminary countervailing duty determinations is now December 5. The Coalition for Fair Trade in Hardwood Plywood recently filed critical circumstances allegations, as imports of hardwood plywood surged during the case. This could make the preliminary duties retroactive by 90 days.

On November 12, the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation to end the longest government funding lapse in history: 43 days. Funding for federal government operations has been extended through January 30, 2026. This includes full appropriations for the Departments of Agriculture and Veterans Affairs and for operations of the legislative branch for fiscal year 2026.

DHA President Keith Christman's most recent column in Surface & Panel Magazine highlights the enduring appeal of hardwood plywood in commercial spaces. In the ever-evolving landscape of commercial architecture, materials that are both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional consistently rise to the top. Hardwood plywood has emerged as a favorite among architects and designers for its versatility, strength, and natural beauty, as well as its powerful sustainability story.
 

DHA is the source for standards, training, and resources for our industry and your team. Order full- or pocket-sized copies of HP-1 to have on hand on the plant floor. Or, register a new hire or recently promoted teammate for our hardwood plywood grading webinars.

We're committed to providing the resources and tools your team needs. See the DHA resources webpage for the full range of resources. 

Good news: the recent government funding deal included a one-year extension of the remaining provisions of the 2018 Farm Bill that had not been reauthorized as part of the budget reconciliation that was signed into law on July 4. The Wood Innovation and Community Wood Grant programs and the Forest Inventory and Analysis program are now authorized through September 30, 2026.
 

The U.S. Department of Transportation launched a nationwide crackdown on fraudulent commercial driver's license (CDL) training programs and unqualified drivers. The effort targets so-called "CDL mills" and other non-compliant entry-level driver training programs, and will enforce English-language proficiency standards for commercial drivers.
 

On November 5, the U.S. government argued before the Supreme Court that tariffs imposed by President Trump under the International Economic Emergency Act (IEEPA) were lawful because they are regulatory and not designed to raise revenue. However, as President Trump has publicly claimed that the tariffs have raised massive amounts of money, the government's argument is unlikely to convince the court. The Trump administration is expected to consider other legal ways to impose tariffs.
 

Nearly 40 Tennessee hardwood companies joined the hundreds of U.S. hardwood companies asking for federal relief as a result of tariffs. 452 lumber industry mills, manufacturers, and distributors across the U.S. signed a letter to the Trump administration, documenting that the industry has lost an estimated $9 billion in opportunities since 2018, when President Trump first escalated tariffs against China. The lumber industry was not included in federal tariff relief payments made to agricultural producers in 2018.
 

EU lawmakers supported a recent proposal to reduce due diligence requirements under the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). The ballot came after the European Commission's announcement last month that delayed implementation until the end of 2026. Pressure from a wide range of countries, including the U.S. and Brazil, helped lead to the change.
 

The Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association is now accepting entries for the 2026 KCMA Design Awards. Kitchen and bath designers are invited to submit their best kitchen design projects that feature cabinets sold by KCMA members. All entries must be submitted by December 15.
 

The Washington State Forest Practices Board narrowly approved a controversial water buffer rule. The rule has been criticized by forestry and farming advocates and by local governments, who say that local economies will suffer. Forestry advocates noted that the rule will remove 200,000 acres of private forestland from use without financial compensation.
 

Oregon State University researchers reported that the increasing risk of wildfires in the Pacific Northwest, combined with volatile timber pricing, may reduce the value of forestland by up to 50%. Due to fire risk, harvesting trees early may make the most economic sense. Property owners may harvest Douglas fir trees as early as 24 years instead of waiting until the optimal age of 65 years.
 

The experts at Capital Testing have updated FAQs on ASTM E84, the test that measures the surface burning characteristics of building materials. It's required for everything from wood panels and ceiling tiles to paints and coatings. Read more about this test on the Capital Testing website. 
 

A team of researchers has published a study that shows that mechanical thinning and prescribed burns can dramatically reduce the risk of forest fires. Researchers documented how these preventative actions produce measurable economic benefits across four major areas: carbon storage, timber provisioning, erosion regulation, and air quality.
 

A new study from Oregon State University detailed the impact of the historic 2021 heat dome on old-growth forests in the Pacific Northwest. Researchers expect "major" changes to old-growth forests as the climate warms. The study, using satellite images, showed that the heat dome scorched nearly 5% of forestland in western Oregon and Washington, "turning foliage in canopies from a healthy green to red or orange, sometimes within a matter of hours."
 

Which three U.S. states have the most federal forestland?