NEWS

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. I look forward to hearing more about this in AHEC's EUDR webinar today.

EUDR was one of several topics of discussion at the recent Western Hardwood Plywood Producers meeting in Coos Bay. I enjoyed seeing many of you there and discussing the amazing benefits of our products while also discussing challenges. My presentation is available here.

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


Keith A. Christman, President
Decorative Hardwoods Association

EUDR was one of several topics of discussion at the recent Western Hardwood Plywood Producers meeting in Coos Bay. DHA President Keith Christman discussed the amazing benefits of hardwood products as well as the challenges in our industry. Keith's presentation is available below. 

Experts at the American Hardwood Export Council detail the latest on the European Union Deforestation Regulation and what it means for exporters of U.S. hardwood products.

70 members of Congress signed a letter to President Biden to urge the administration to speak with their EU counterparts about the EU Deforestation Regulation to head off the disruption in trade that will happen if the EUDR is implemented on December 30. The letter is specific to forestry and forest products and requests a two-year delay in implementation.

In response to widespread criticism, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced her intentions to adjust the already approved EUDR, stating that the implementation timeline would be re-examined. She reportedly said the regulation cannot proceed as planned, without specifying further.

U.S. imports of hardwood plywood continue to grow in 2024. The value of imports rose by 26.6% and volume grew by 15.2% from January–July. Indonesia was the largest source of imports, contributing nearly $183 million. The volume of imports from Vietnam, the second largest source, soared by 123%.

This week, the full U.S. House of Representatives is scheduled to consider the bipartisan Fix Our Forests Act. The law would simplify and expedite environmental reviews for federal forest management projects and deter frivolous litigation that delays these projects. While the measure is expected to pass the House, its future in the Senate is uncertain.

The International Longshoremen's Association and U.S. Maritime Alliance have reached a standoff in contract negotiations that could shut down all ports along the East and Gulf Coasts. President Biden indicated that he would not impose an 80-day cooling-off period and force employees to continue to work while negotiations proceed. The Hardwood Federation and Forest Resources Association have asked President Biden to step in to stop a strike.

The Hardwood Federation has filed comments with the U.S. Department of Agriculture urging federal regulators to reject environmental assessments that will allow amendments of forest management plans. Instead, they argued that the USDA should continue to address the old growth issue through the locally-led forest planning process, governed by the 2012 Planning Rule.

U.S. imports of wooden furniture grew by 7% to $1.84 billion in July, the highest level since October 2022 and 10% higher than July 2023. Imports from Indonesia rebounded, up by 41% in July after having fallen about the same amount in June, and imports from both Vietnam and China increased by about 10%. Imports from Canada fell by 7%. U.S. imports of wooden furniture are up by 6% year-to-date.

Russia's exports of birch logs to China fell by 38% vs. last year to about 42,300 cubic meters. In August, the average price fell by 7% vs. July to $141 per cubic meter. This is 15% more than last year.

Cabinetworks Group, the largest employer in Juniata County, PA, will close its Thompsontown assembly plant and lay off hundreds of employees. It was reported that employees received a letter from the CEO telling them that the plant would close on December 12. The letter cited the declining housing market as its reason for ending its multifamily direct sales business.

DHA member Roseburg announced the appointment of Tony Hamill as chief operations officer. A registered professional engineer for more than 30 years, Hamill joins Roseburg from Louisiana Pacific, where he served as vice president of siding operations.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture will invest $100 million in 21 new projects to expand work on the Forest Service's Wildfire Crisis Strategy to reduce the threat of wildfire in high-risk areas across the country. The new projects span 14 states and 18 national forests and are part of a $3.2 billion effort.

A new study showed that Ukraine's forests, which cover nearly 28 million acres, have suffered extensive damage as a direct result of Russia's invasion in 2022. Researchers estimated that approximately 4.2 million acres, about 15% of the country's forests, were directly affected by combat, from shelling to contamination and unexploded ordnance.

The Oregon Department of Forestry will need emergency funds to pay for its most expensive wildfire season in history. The state has already spent a record high of $250 million. Nearly two million acres of land have already burned. That's almost double the amount burned in 2020.

Research demonstrates that incorporating wood into our living and working environments can reduce stress and improve mental health. Experts have shown that exposure to wood correlates with a drop in cortisol, the hormone that is linked to the negative impacts of stress.

Just how big is Canada's forestry industry?

Answer: In 2022, the forest sector contributed $33.4 billion to Canada's nominal GDP and employed 212,660 people.

Read more: How Do Forests Benefit Canadians? → | Statistical Data →