NEWS

IKEA, the world’s largest home furnishings retailer, plans to increase its U.S. manufacturing after President Trump levied tariffs on imports of furniture and kitchen cabinets. IKEA sold about $5.5 billion in home furnishings in the U.S. last year, but produces only about 15% of those products in the U.S.

PHOTO © IKEA

We regret to inform you that Terry Ostrander passed away on September 23 at the age of 63. Terry had a successful career in our industry, including nearly two decades as a sales manager at DHA member Timber Products. His work was always about more than just business — it was about relationships. Whether with colleagues or customers, Terry's generosity, kindness, and genuine interest in others left a lasting impression.

As the European Commission continues to struggle to implement the EU Deforestation Regulation, the American Hardwood Export Council and its partners have developed a feasible approach to implementation. AHEC proposed that county-level geolocation should be enough for U.S. hardwood exports to comply with the EUDR. Per AHEC's careful analysis, this would still meet all EUDR objectives for mitigating the risk of deforestation.

Trees in three national forests in Oregon will be auctioned off for logging by the end of the month, even though the federal workers preparing these timber sales are not getting paid and many of their colleagues in the U.S. Forest Service are furloughed. Staff who organize and process timber sales have been designated as essential workers.

On October 14, the Hardwood Federation sent a letter to Trump administration officials, making the case that U.S. hardwood companies should be included in any trade assistance programs involving agricultural industries that have been negatively impacted by trade and tariff policies. More than 430 hardwood mills, manufacturers, yards, logging companies, and suppliers signed the letter.