DHA® eNews - China’s Log Imports Reverse Trend
After increasing 42% over the last five years, China's imports of softwood and hardwood logs are forecast to decline by 15% this year - an almost unprecedented change.
The Indonesian Ministry of Trade has no plans to allow log exports this year. Instead, logs will be used to support the domestic manufacture and export of downstream products. Sabah, Malaysia, has instituted an immediate ban on log exports to ensure enough raw materials for its own mills.
A recent analysis of trade disputes warns that a trade war could push North America's economies into a recession. Homebuilders highlight the impact of tariffs on housing.
Source: Builder
The prices of radiata pine logs, exported from New Zealand, are steadily increasing. The prices for China exceed $150 per cubic meter, C&F.
Brazilian wood panel exports reached $73 million in Q1, an increase of 14% over the same period last year.
The UK's Timber Trade Federation has taken steps to ensure Chinese plywood meets the standards claimed in its documentation and labeling. After a year-long review, the TTF has established a plywood framework within its mandatory Responsible Purchasing Policy.
Four government agencies - the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), Environment and Forestry Ministry, Papua Police, and Papua Forestry and Conservation Agency - will work together to improve forest management and stop rampant illegal logging in Papua, Indonesia.
China's ambitious reforestation policy resulted in 32% more tree cover. However, a recent study shows that most reforestation projects planted a single tree species, creating a plot of land more like a monoculture plantation.
Download the American Hardwood Export Council's May 2018 European report from the Decorative Hardwoods Association® website for updates on exports of U.S. hardwood lumber, the European economic recovery, and more.
Ed Duncan, president of Mannington Residential, will retire on December 31 after 30 years with Mannington. Zack Zehner, senior vice president of Distribution Network, will become the new president of Mannington Residential.
HPVA Laboratories® recently awarded EPA TSCA Title VI certification for formaldehyde emissions to the Great Lakes Veneer hardwood plywood manufacturing facility in Marion, WI.
New California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment regulations - which will take full effect this August - change the safe harbor warnings deemed to comply with the law in several important ways.
In December 2016, EPA suspended all recommendations of ecolabels or certifications for lumber and wood, pending review. On Tuesday, EPA announced that the lumber/wood category will be removed entirely from the recommendations of specifications, standards, and ecolabels for federal purchasing - the recommendations intended to help federal buyers identify and procure environmentally sustainable products and services.
Source: EPA
Analysts predict that the global market for wooden furniture will expand at a CAGR of about 5% from 2018 to 2022 due to increasing demand.
Watch videos of the specialized robots that rapidly repair imperfections in veneer at a Georgia-Pacific plant in Texas. The robots take on the tedious and repetitious tasks, freeing up employees to do more engaging work.
Wood offices create inspirational work environments that are code-compliant, cost-effective, and sustainable. See numerous photos and examples of innovative construction featuring wood.
A recent report shows that millennials are more likely than any other generation to remodel their homes - and are willing to take on more remodeling and renovation projects.
A study by NAHB and the National Multifamily Housing Council shows that local, state, and federal regulations account for 32.1% of the cost of the average multifamily development.
Source: For Construction Pros
The latest U.S. Gypsum and U.S. Chamber of Commerce study shows that 90% of contractors face labor shortages. 96% expect demand to increase in the next 12 months, further exacerbating the situation.
A NAM Economic Report shows the dramatic decrease in total unemployed as job openings increase from 2010 to 2018.