BLOG

As we enter the final month of 2022, the listing of the northern long-eared bat on the Endangered Species List creates significant uncertainty about our industry's ability to sustainably harvest raw materials. Unfortunately, potential harvest restrictions won't help the bat and would reduce our nation's ability to address climate change by reducing the use of carbon-storing wood products. DHA will continue to work with the Hardwood Federation and other industry allies through implementation processes to reduce any adverse impacts from the listing while protecting the bats.

It’s also clear that imports of hardwood plywood and engineered wood flooring, growing rapidly in 2022, continued to pose challenges to our industry. Year-to-date imports for both products are up dramatically and show no real signs of slowing. Despite the war and tariffs, imports from Russia have declined in volume but their dollar value is still up year-to-date. The dollar value of imports of hardwood plywood from Vietnam has grown by nearly 57% year-to-date, still high but a bit slower than through August. We will be watching these imports closely to see the impact of the Commerce Department's finding on circumvention. 

The good news is that beauty of hardwoods continues to drive global demand for engineered wood floors—forecast to grow by 5.5% per year through 2030. At DHA, we agree that there is nothing more beautiful and sustainable than hardwood products.

If you have questions or comments, contact me. I look forward to hearing from you.


Keith A. Christman, President
Decorative Hardwoods Association

Photo © Dave Redell, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources