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Great news: the revised hardwood plywood standard, ANSI/HPVA HP-1-2024, has been finalized. Now is the time to preorder your hard copies of the full-size or pocket-size standard.

Last month, we highlighted how the American Hardwood Export Council has been working hard in collaboration with allies and governments in the U.S. and around the world to delay the implementation of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). The European Commission appears to have finally listened to concerns and called for a delay in implementation. This is a very good and important step. However, it is not sufficient. EUDR is fatally flawed with respect to forest products, particularly in the U.S. and for many small landowners.…

As Europe's deadline for the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) quickly approaches, advocacy to delay the rule continues by groups including the American Hardwood Export Council and others. This work seems to be starting to have an effect. U.S. Congress has now asked President Biden to weigh in. The European Commission President recently made some statements acknowledging the ugly reality that EUDR is not ready for implementation in its current form.

DHA continues to promote the natural beauty of decorative hardwood products. The latest example is in Surface and Panel, where we discuss biophilia and how natural, beautiful hardwood products can help connect us to nature and why this is important.

We were saddened to hear that DHA member Rockshield had an extensive fire at their plant in Cochrane, Ontario. We were relieved by reports that there were no injuries and pleased that there is a good chance the plant will recover.

Imports of hardwood plywood are up by 32% so far this year. Imports from Vietnam and Malaysia are more than double last year. In this atmosphere, continuing vigilance by the Department of Commerce is essential. Commerce's recent preliminary determination in its administrative reviews of the 2022…