NEWS

Decorative Hardwoods Association (formerly HPVA) eNews Volume XVIII, Issue XVI: EU Slashes Checks On Low-Risk Timber | U.S. Extends Trade Truce With China | U.S.

What hardwood species helps prevent wildfires from spreading?

Answer: The aspen.

Read more: How Aspen Trees Help Fight Wildfires in Colorado →

It’s live! The American Hardwood Export Council's American Hardwood Assured (AHA) platform has been launched and is ready to use. The free platform helps any U.S. hardwood exporter quickly prepare AHA statements that demonstrate the negligible risk of illegal logging or deforestation.

China exported 6.2 million cubic meters of plywood in the first six months of 2025, a 12% increase over last year. Both Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates imported 50% more plywood from China so far this year. Imports into Nigeria grew by 39%; into Australia, by 21%; and into the Philippines, by 3%.

In July, the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association testified in detail in the U.S. Court of International Trade about an alleged sophisticated scheme to transship cabinets manufactured in China through Malaysia to the U.S. to avoid duties.

PHOTO OF KCMA CEO BETSY NATZ © KCMA