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Two weeks ago, we held our 2023 Annual Meeting in Clearwater, Florida. It was fantastic seeing many long-term and new members and hearing from expert speakers on issues key to our industry, including trade policy, new technology, and methods to identify Russian birch—which continues to fund the Russian war effort, despite restrictions. It was also a pleasure to recognize the commitment of our long-term members and those members who serve on the DHA leadership team. Please save the date for DHA’s 2024 Annual Meeting, May 14–16, in Scottsdale, Arizona. I look forward to seeing you there.

Unfortunately, the U.S. Department of Commerce has again delayed its final ruling in the Vietnam hardwood plywood circumvention case. The new date is July 14. This case, filed by the Coalition for Fair Trade in Hardwood Plywood, has been going on for about three years. At least duties have been applied since the time of the July 2022 preliminary ruling.

The U.S. Supreme Court continued to push back against regulatory overreach by the Biden administration and federal regulatory agencies in a ruling on the waters of the U.S. (WOTUS). The ruling will significantly narrow the reach of federal agencies and give landowners, including forest companies, more control over their lands that have little or no relationship to "navigable waters."

Cabinets, a key market for hardwood plywood, have seen sales fall by nearly 12% in volume year-to-date through April.

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

Keith A. Christman, President
Decorative Hardwoods Association

Photo © Philippe Hall 123rf.com