NEWS

In 2022, Russia was China's primary supplier of imported plywood. China's imports of plywood from Russia skyrocketed by more than 6,000% to 26,952 cubic meters, comprising 78% of the national total. What's driving this: Chinese enterprises have built plywood manufacturing facilities in Russia and have been transporting that plywood to China on the China-Europe railway.

Resources:

An environmental group has accused Japan of failing to stop more than $410 million worth of "conflict timber" from Russia. Activists say that Japanese construction firms are using loopholes to keep buying wood from Russia, despite sanctions triggered by the attack on Ukraine.

Resource:

DHA will host a webinar on EU deforestation requirements with American Hardwood Export Council's expert Rupert Oliver on Monday, April 17, at noon ET.

Register Now

The waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule went into effect on March 20. After hearing from the housing, infrastructure, and agriculture sectors, the U.S. Senate approved a resolution against it, as did the House of Representatives. The resolution of disapproval will be sent to the President's desk, where President Biden will likely veto it. However, the Supreme Court is expected to rule soon in a case that questions what waterways the government can regulate.

DHA joined the Family Business Estate Tax Coalition in thanking Senator Thune for introducing the Death Tax Repeal Act of 2023 to permanently repeal the estate tax. The temporary increase in the estate tax exemption from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will expire at the end of 2025, increasing uncertainty and planning costs. Action is needed to protect family-owned businesses.

Resource: