BLOG

Forests and wood products provide tremendous benefits to society, from storing carbon to reduce climate change to providing warmth and beauty in our built environment. This month, the Real American Hardwood Coalition launched a new public website spotlighting the beauty of hardwoods and their financial benefits to homeowners.

In May, we reported that the White House was considering terminating China's Section 301 tariffs of 25% on imports of hardwood plywood, multilayered wood flooring, and other products. Coalitions, which include many DHA members, have argued that Chinese producers have used artificial advantages to inflict serious harm on U.S. competitors.

Russian wood imports are up dramatically through April despite Russia's war, subsequent tariffs, and other policies. And, imports of birch plywood through Vietnam—likely Russian birch plywood—are up 206%. Unlike plywood imported directly from Russia, imports of birch plywood from Vietnam are coming in duty-free. Wood exports were one of Russia's largest industries prior to the war. The data suggests that more needs to be done to stop imports of Russian wood products.

Earlier this year, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed a rule to re‑designate the northern long-eared bat as "endangered," triggering additional land-use restrictions that could hinder timber harvesting operations in 38 states. The Decorative Hardwoods Association joined the Hardwood Federation and several others in commenting on the proposed listing, highlighting how forestry helps bat populations. White-nose syndrome, a fungal disease, is what has devastated the northern long-eared bat.

Last week Decorative Hardwoods Association was in Nashville for our 101^st Annual Meeting where, among other things, we introduced our new AIA-approved continuing education program for architects and designers. I loved seeing our members and discussing the exciting developments and challenges in our industry. Please save the week of May 22, 2023, for our next annual…