DHA eNews - Happy Halloween: It's Bat Week
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Chinese tariffs on red oak, walnut, and other hardwood lumber have resulted in steep losses: nearly 50% of total industry revenue since 2017. The largest North American supplier of hardwood is closing its Washington sawmill, laying off all 70 employees, and closing another mill in Virginia.
Through Q3, China imported more than 67% of its oak logs from France, Russia, and the U.S. (13%). Imports of cherry, black walnut, and maple came from the U.S. (78%) and Canada (19%). Total Chinese log imports exceeded $44 billion; the U.S. was China's fourth-largest supplier at 6.8%.
A China-Russia timber processing center was recently established in Suifenhe City, China. The 380,000-square-meter facility will become a timber distribution center and provide a wide range of related services.
Canadian exports of lumber to China have grown and now include higher-value products, in part due to partnerships with the Canada Wood Export Program to develop demand in China for higher-grade lumber.
More than 40 AHEC members participated in the recent VietnamWood show in Ho Chi Minh City, showing American timber producers' interest in and commitment to growing trade partnerships there.
A trial began this month that could decide the fate of Oregon's state forests. 150 counties and districts in Oregon have brought a $1.4 billion breach-of-contact lawsuit against the State of Oregon, alleging mismanagement of the forestlands.
While forest fires in the Amazon and North America have dominated headlines, the fact is that forest fires have become a global threat. There have been three times more wildfires in the EU so far this year. The amount of land consumed by fires in Indonesia through September has already exceeded the amount burned in 2018.
Source: Timberbiz
AHF Products has updated and relaunched its Natural Choice hardwood flooring line and added four new engineered wood flooring collections to its Bruce brand, including specially finished hickory, red oak, hard maple, and yellow birch.
More designers are choosing plywood to bring warmth and personality into homes and offices. See photos of thirty innovative plywood interiors from around the world.
The Decorative Hardwoods Association Hardwood Plywood Handbook is perfect for new members of your team: it provides a comprehensive visual introduction to hardwood plywood. The handbook covers the components and construction of panels and includes more than 100 photographs that demonstrate the range of appearances between and within grades as well as sample characteristics of hardwood plywood.
University of Washington researchers have developed a model that could help predict which nonnative insect invasions will be the most destructive. The model could be used to help experts better allocate resources to avoid widespread tree death.