NEWS

The forest products industry is a critical part of the U.S. economy. How many jobs does the forest products industry support and what percent of GDP does it contribute?

The Notre Dame Cathedral's entire 800-year-old oak roof went up in flames in 2019. It has since been rebuilt by a unique group of skilled carpenters using traditional methods of oak framing and woodwork.

PHOTO © MIKE DENNIS

Read more: Raising The Roof: Restoring Notre Dame →

Two major cabinetmakers, both operating under MasterBrand Cabinetry, plan to close their North Carolina manufacturing facilities next year. More than 270 employees will be laid off. Dura Supreme Cabinetry will close its Statesville facility in January. UltraCraft Cabinetry will close its Liberty plant later in 2025. MasterBrand acquired Dura Supreme and Bertch Cabinet earlier this year.

PHOTO © IREDELL EDC

Hardwood plywood imports continue to grow rapidly in 2024 despite soft U.S. markets. The value of U.S. imports from Vietnam rose by nearly 60% year-to-date through September while volume grew by more than 88%. Imports from Indonesia grew by more than 20% in value and volume.

The Hardwood Federation is assessing how the return of the Trump administration will affect trade and exports, particularly U.S. exports to China. Many in the industry remember the effect of retaliatory tariffs imposed by China on U.S. lumber and are concerned about how a new round of tariffs will impact hardwood lumber and log exports, while benefitting hardwood plywood and engineered wood flooring.

PHOTO © JERRY GLASER