NEWS

The U.S. and Vietnam have reached an agreement on illegally harvested and traded timber that allows Vietnam to avoid punitive tariffs. The agreement "secures commitments that will help keep illegally harvested or traded timber out of the supply chain and protect the environment and natural resources," said the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.

Resource:

Congress has recognized the value of planting trees in combatting climate change. This Congress has introduced several bills to increase tree planting and tree seedling production, including the Trillion Trees Act (HR 2693), the REPLANT Act (S 866), and most recently, America's Revegetation and Carbon Sequestration Act (S 2836).

Resource:

Last week, Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed legislation that would have required businesses who sell to the state of California to demonstrate that their activities do not contribute to tropical deforestation. Newsom said he rejected the bill because it would hurt small businesses.

Resource:

Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) and Representatives Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) have introduced the FOREST Act, which would prohibit imports of agricultural commodities, such as palm oil, sourced from illegally deforested land.

Decorative Hardwoods Association (formerly HPVA) eNews Volume XIV, Issue XIX: COVID Lockdowns Deal Blow To Vietnam's Timber & Furniture Industries | Surge In U.S. Hardwood Flooring Imports Ebbs | U.S. Customs Finds Chinese Cabinets Evade Duties By Transshipping Through Malaysia | U. S. Trade Court Remands Hardwood Plywood Rate Determination