NEWS

Declines in the volume of U.S. hardwood plywood imports have been driven by Indonesia and Vietnam, down by nearly 74% and 67%, respectively, likely due to high preliminary antidumping and countervailing duties. Imports from Cambodia have shot up by 585% and imports from Malaysia climbed by 195%, suggesting potential transshipment to evade tariffs.

A White House report identified more than 40 jurisdictions, including the EU, Canada, Japan, and Brazil, as associated with a higher risk for illegal transshipments. The report warned that those attempting to evade U.S. tariffs through illegal transshipment will be caught and penalized, and promised that those who cooperate with the U.S. to fight tariff evasion will be treated as allies in restoring fair trade.

The chair of the House Committee on Agriculture said he is concerned about the future of the U.S. hardwood industry and the impact on rural communities. He warned that losing sawmills would reduce forest management capacity and create unacceptable consequences for rural America, and highlighted several opportunities to support the hardwood industry, including federal procurement policies and expanded exports.

On August 14, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) officially reaccredited the Hardwood Plywood and Veneer Association under its revised procedures for developing American National Standards. DHA develops consensus standards for hardwood plywood, engineered wood flooring, and legal timber due diligence under the HPVA brand.

On July 31, Canada imposed a provisional tariff of 25% on imports of wood cabinets and vanities while the Canadian International Trade Tribunal conducts an inquiry. The tariff addresses immediate challenges facing Canadian manufacturers, including increased imports being diverted to Canada as global trade patterns shift, and helps stabilize the Canadian market and support domestic manufacturers. Cabinets manufactured in the U.S. are excluded from the tariffs.