NEWS

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has announced new Section 301 investigations into several U.S. trading partners to determine whether they're producing significantly more than what's needed in their local markets and dumping the excess into the U.S. at artificially low prices. Countries under investigation include China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam. Comments are due by April 15.

PHOTO © Gigel.atat

U.S. imports of hardwood plywood began the year with a decline of nearly 7% in volume in January 2026 vs. January 2025. Imports from Vietnam dropped by almost 50%. Imports from Indonesia fell by close to 8%. However, imports from Malaysia shot up by nearly 200%, and imports from Cambodia jumped by more than 440%.

PHOTO © James Tourtellotte, USCBP

Decorative Hardwoods Association (formerly HPVA) eNews Volume XIX, Issue VI: U.S. Imports Of Hardwood Plywood Drop By 7% | USTR Announces New Section 301 Investigations | U.S.

Which hardwood trees have been proven to emit ultraviolet light during thunderstorms?

Answer: Scientists filmed the branches of a sweetgum tree during a thunderstorm, proving that the tree emitted ultraviolet light. 

In the last week of February, the Bureau of Land Management sold 27.6 million board feet of timber across 1,255 public acres in Oregon for more than $8.3 million, exceeding the appraised value by more than $3 million. This is a positive indicator of the strong demand for U.S. lumber manufacturing. The timber sold will support local mills and jobs in local communities.

PHOTO © CECILIO RICARDO, USFS