NEWS

The Coalition for Fair Trade in Hardwood Plywood petitioned the U.S. Department of Commerce to issue a scope ruling confirming that certain hardwood plywood products from China that are assembled in Vietnam before being imported into the U.S. are within the scope of the antidumping and countervailing duty orders on certain hardwood plywood products from China.

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With just 16 cases in a population of 96 million, the effect on Vietnam's economy has been far-reaching. Wood processing firms were advised to seek alternative suppliers. Public schools are closed. Flights between China and Vietnam were suspended. The tourism industry may lose more than $7 billion, as China is Vietnam's largest source of tourists.

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China announced it would remove tariffs for some types of hardwood logs and lumber for one year, beginning February 28. China prefers to use raw materials from other countries as it rebuilds its own forests, and, as the largest wood product exporter in the world, needs to reduce costs on incoming raw materials.

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The International Trade Commission stated that there is a "reasonable indication" that U.S. wood molding and millwork companies are being hurt by imports from China and Brazil. The Department of Commerce will continue its antidumping and countervailing duty investigation and make preliminary decisions by April 2 and June 16.

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The U.S. Department of Commerce's final duty rule on Chinese imports of wood cabinets and vanities ranges from 13.33 to 269.91%, with most Chinese manufacturers to be assessed at about 59%. If the International Trade Commission finds that U.S. industry has been injured, these rates will apply in addition to Section 301 duties. A presentation by U.S. industry to the ITC demonstrates significant injury from Chinese imports.

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