NEWS

On January 2, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency finalized the formaldehyde risk evaluation. EPA stated that formaldehyde presents an unreasonable risk of injury to human health under its conditions of use. EPA did not identify risk to the general population from wood products regulated under TSCA Title VI. However, EPA's conclusions about occupational exposure to formaldehyde remain problematic.

The Hardwood Federation has published concerns about a potential trade war and retaliatory tariffs by China and other countries. The association pointed to a dramatic decline in hardwood exports to China following China's imposition of retaliatory tariffs on U.S. hardwoods from 2018 to 2020.

The Wall Street Journal recently published "The Not-So-Secret Way Around U.S. Tariffs." The story follows cabinets that were manufactured in China, rerouted through Malaysia, and ended up in U.S. kitchens. It has sparked an investigation by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, whose agents reportedly found cabinets marked as made in China while inspecting a Malaysian facility. This was part of a 2022 inquiry into allegations that a Chinese company was evading tariffs.

Decorative Hardwoods Association (formerly HPVA) eNews Volume XVII, Issue XXIV: House Passes Bill Targeting Trade Crimes | EU Takes Another Step To Delay EUDR | AHEC Moves Forward With EUDR Response | FSC Blocks Chinese Plywood Manufacturer After Repeated False Claims

My thanks to DHA members for your support as we close out 2024 with our last issue of the newsletter for this year. We know that this year has been challenging for many parts of our industry as we have seen slower markets and increased imports. At DHA, we look forward to 2025 which will hopefully produce increased markets encouraged by lower inflation and lower interest rates that will boost homebuilding.