NEWS

Top stories this week include the U.S. Trade Representative's decision to continue Section 301 tariffs on China after receiving a flood of comments supporting the extension. The Coalition for Fair Trade in Hardwood Plywood and the American Multilayer Hardwood Floors Manufacturers Coalition—both of which include several DHA members—filed comments urging the continuation of the 25% tariffs on Chinese products.

U.S. imports of hardwood plywood are up 61% in value and 28% in volume through July. Although imports from Russia have declined about 11% in volume so far this year, the value of those imports is still up 68%. Imports of Russian hardwood plywood totaled nearly $9 million in July, down from an average of nearly $45 million per month from January through April.

While housing markets are clearly slowing in response to higher interest rates, kitchen cabinet sales are still rising—up nearly 20% in July. It's good to see continued strength in this important market.

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


Keith A. Christman, President
Decorative Hardwoods Association

Photo © Office of the U.S. Trade Representative

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative reported that it will continue the Section 301 tariffs on Chinese goods, after numerous comments from domestic companies urging it to keep the tariffs in place. When the USTR receives requests to continue tariffs, Section 301 directs it to keep the tariffs in place while it conducts a more extensive review.

U.S. imports of hardwood plywood increased 61% in value and 28% in volume through July. Volume from Indonesia, the top source of U.S. imports, rose by more than 39%, while imports from Vietnam, the second highest source, soared by 65%. Russia remains the third highest source. China, assessed with high antidumping duties, dropped to number ten.

The value of U.S. imports of Russian plywood jumped 68% to $214 million through July. These increases in the value of Russian imports occurred despite an 11% decrease in volume. Imports of Russian hardwood plywood have slowed considerably since April when tariffs of 50% were imposed.

Russian woodworking and furniture companies petitioned their government to assess tariffs as high as 60% on imported furniture and related materials. Countries considered to be pro-Russia would face duties of only 10%.

KCMA reported an increase in cabinet sales of nearly 20% in July vs. the same period last year. However, cabinet sales fell 12.5% vs. June. Year-to-date sales are still up nearly 16% vs. last year. 

BIFMA's LEVEL certification has been officially recognized by the Amazon Climate Pledge Friendly Program as a sustainable label for furniture products. Manufacturers with LEVEL-certified furniture can now promote this on Amazon.

AHF Products has announced that it will stop manufacturing flooring at its plant in Titusville, PA. The production of solid and engineered wood flooring will be moved to plants in Beverly, WV, Somerset, KY, and Only, TN.

80 survivors of California's Mill Fire have already received direct financial assistance from Roseburg's $50 million Community Relief Fund. Fund administrators are helping people affected by the Mill Fire cover immediate needs like housing, transportation, food and clothing, and medical care. 

Decorative Hardwoods Association is making it easier to do business with free, downloadable resources, including the 2022 Where to Buy directory of hardwood plywood, veneer, and engineered wood flooring and the American national standards for hardwood and decorative plywood, engineered wood flooring, and due diligence in sourcing legal timber. Download your free copies from our website.

The Oregon Supreme Court has chosen not to hear an appeal in the $1 billion lawsuit between thirteen counties and Oregon's Department of Forestry. The dispute was over timber revenue and what "the greatest permanent value" means in forest management. The counties disappointed by the decision argued that the ruling will increase fire risk and starve rural communities of revenue needed for their schools, libraries, hospitals, public safety, and other services.

Source: ABC News

The new EU forest strategy recognizes the ability of wood products to both store carbon and substitute for more carbon-intensive materials, said the European Confederation of Woodworking Industries. However, the Confederation of the European Paper Industries said the new strategy could hinder the forest workers responsible for the sustainable management of European and global forests.

New research by conservationists warns of the risk of massive tree extinction. Researchers examined 78 species of trees in Quebec and determined that white ash, eastern hemlock, butternut, and American elm are at risk of extinction.

Highlighting the importance of producing sustainable and legal forest products, a recent poll shows that 82% of Europeans think businesses should not sell products that destroy the world's forests. 78% believe that governments should ban products that cause deforestation.

The Build Back Better Regional Challenge awarded a grant of more than $41 million to the Oregon Mass Timber Coalition. As part of the award, the TallWood Design Institute, a collaboration between the University of Oregon and Oregon State University, will receive a total of $24.6 million.

Source: JAM'N 107.5

What is the most common tree found in the U.S.?