NEWS

On February 1, President Trump announced broad tariffs of 25% on imports from Canada and Mexico and 10% on oil from Canada. These tariffs appear to include hardwood plywood, veneer, and engineered wood flooring. Per a White House fact sheet, these actions and the 10% tariffs on imports from China were meant to incentivize action by these countries on fentanyl and illegal immigration.

Decorative Hardwoods Association (formerly HPVA) eNews Volume XVIII, Issue II: No New Tariffs On Day One | U.S. Hardwood Plywood Imports From Asia Surge Again | Congress Reintroduces Bipartisan Fix Our Forests Act | Industry Opposes Federal Heat Standard

Last week, legislators from Arkansas and California reintroduced the bipartisan Fix Our Forests Act. The swift reintroduction highlights the urgent need to improve forest management to mitigate fire risks. The full House is scheduled to address the legislation quickly, in part as a response to the California wildfires. A Senate version of the bill is expected to be introduced in the next few weeks.

What country is building the world's largest city that is made entirely of timber?

Answer: Sweden is building the world’s largest city made entirely from timber.

PHOTO © ATRIUM LJUNGBERG AS

Read more: Sweden is Building the World’s Largest City Made Entirely From Timber →

A nationwide study by the National Kitchen & Bath Association documented a significant skilled labor shortage. As a result, some design and remodeling firms have been forced to hire workers who are less qualified or less experienced to meet their staffing needs. The consensus among businesses was that the skilled labor shortage has risen sharply over the past five years.