NEWS

The EPA has suspended or revoked recognition of third-party certifiers (TPCs) of TSCA Title VI formaldehyde emission standards in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and China. None of these companies may certify producers until their TPC status has been reinstated. Panel producers using these TPCs have 90 days to find a new TPC and must still comply with all EPA regulatory requirements.

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Decorative Hardwoods Association (formerly HPVA) eNews Volume XII, Issue XVIII: Canadian Formaldehyde Regulations Draw Comments | EPA Repeals "Waters of the U.S." Rule | Global Plywood Industry Is Under Stress | Collapse Of Log Prices In China Negatively Impacts New Zealand | Vietnam's Forestry Exports Up 18.6%

Decorative Hardwoods Association and HPVA Laboratories® submitted comments on the draft Canadian Composite Wood Rule, encouraging harmonization with EPA TSCA VI testing and certification requirements. DHA emphasized the importance of avoiding creating an unintentional "dumping ground" in Canada for non-compliant products by instituting a different system. The Composite Panel Association also filed comments.

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The American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) July/August 2019 European Market Report shows that U.S. hardwood exports to Europe dropped in the first half of the year.

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Market Report July/August 2019 (PDF)

The global plywood industry has been negatively affected by the U.S.-China trade war and the slowdown of China's economy. China still uses most of the world's plywood, accounting for 64% of total consumption with 101 million cubic meters. China's consumption is six times higher than the U.S., which is the world's second-largest consumer of plywood at 16 million cubic meters.

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