NEWS

On May 12, the U.S. and China announced a cooling of the ongoing economic dispute by mutually reducing tariffs on goods traded between the two countries for 90 days, with the expectation that negotiations will continue. The U.S. will reduce tariffs on Chinese goods to 30%, down from 145%. China will drop U.S. tariffs from 125% to 10%.

Decorative Hardwoods Association (formerly HPVA) eNews Volume XVIII, Issue X: What You Need To Know About The Budget Reconciliation Bill | DHA Opposes Limit On Business State & Local Tax Deduction | U.S.

Which hardwood tree was used to determine the causes of a pivotal moment in the history of Roman Britain?

Answer: The study used records of oak tree rings to reconstruct temperature and precipitation levels in southern Britain during and after the "Barbarian Conspiracy" in 367 CE.

The head of Vaughan-Bassett discussed how his firm, one of the few remaining U.S. manufacturers of wooden furniture, is navigating through the uncertainty created by tariffs and economic policy whiplash. Vietnam—not China—is the lead exporter of wood furniture to the U.S. and the 800-pound gorilla of the industry.

PHOTO © Vaughan Bassett

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed a rule to rescind the regulatory definition of harm under the Endangered Species Act. Currently, "harm" includes modifications to habitat that severely disrupt vital behaviors such as breeding and feeding. Now, the USFWS says that this interpretation is too broad and extends beyond the intended scope of the statutory term "take," which refers to direct actions like hunting or killing.