NEWS

Little has happened since June, when Earthsight released the findings of an 18-month long investigation into illegal timber being used in IKEA products - although the products bear the eco-friendly, green label of the Forest Stewardship Council. The FSC's published response does not welcome the findings, nor does it promise to investigate them.

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We regret to inform you that Jon Snyder, former president of Arkansas Face Veneer, passed away on July 21. Jon was a respected, long-term member of Decorative Hardwoods Association, serving as board chairman as well as in a number of other roles, including serving on the board of our Hardwood Forestry Fund. His family will hold a private memorial service at a later date.

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The National Fire Protection Standard, NFPA 652, contains new requirements that take effect next month. The rule affects wood-processing firms and is designed to reduce the risk of injury or death from a combustible dust explosion.

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Consistent consumer demand for furniture has been an upside of the pandemic for some countries in Asia. The downside is longer lead times: many importers say that they won't be able to ship July orders until the fourth quarter. This is impacting China, Vietnam, Malaysia, India, and Indonesia.

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Vietnam pocketed more than $5 billion from exporting timber and wood products in the first six months of 2020, an increase of nearly 30% vs. one year ago. Vietnam's exports of wood products to the U.S. and Canada grew by 43.1% and 19.5%, respectively.

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Times of News: Wood exports recover during first half of 2020