NEWS

For two years, the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) has worked with noted environmental journalist Fred Pearce to tell the story of hardwood forests and the people who depend on them. The project, Forested Future, was chosen for the BARQ Architectural Film Festival in Barcelona in November. 

On September 25, DHA member Roseburg Forest Products announced that it has ceased operations at its last remaining hardwood plywood plant and will exit the hardwood plywood market. The reason, Roseburg stated, is imports: "While hardwood plywood has been part of Roseburg's portfolio for decades, the market has shifted significantly, with lower-cost imports now accounting for roughly 80% of the U.S. market."

PHOTO © Roseburg

The Forest Stewardship Council suspended its memorandum of understanding with Asia Pacific Resources International Holdings Limited (APRIL), which operates in Indonesia and China. The FSC acted after being "informed of serious allegations of violence involving Toba Pulp Lestari (TPL), a member of APRIL's corporate group, and an Indigenous community in North Sumatra, Indonesia."

The European Commissioner for Environment notified the European Parliament of her intention to delay implementation of the EU Deforestation Regulation by one more year, citing concerns about the IT platform that will manage compliance data.

Read More: EU Set to Propose New Delay to Anti-Deforestation Rules → 

The new Section 232 tariffs affect imports of wood-based upholstered chairs, cabinets, and vanities. Industry executives are reacting and adapting to the change. Demand for locally made furniture is strong enough that the Vaughan-Bassett Furniture plant in Virginia has added hours and overtime to keep up. The company president confirmed that demand has risen as tariffs made imports less attractive, creating support for American-made goods.