NEWS

Forest certification programs PEFC and FSC have labeled wood and wood-based materials from Russia and Belarus as "conflict" wood that cannot be used in certified products. The use of wood covered by a certificate of origin before March 2, 2022, is not affected by the PEFC decision; the current policy on conflict trees is valid for six months. FSC stated that the wood "cannot be used in FSC products or be sold as FSC certified . . . as long as the armed violence continues."

Russia is the largest lumber exporter in the world and the seventh-largest exporter of forest products. Forest products exports from Russia have grown rapidly over the past five years, reaching a value of more than $12 billion in 2021. Sanctions will create both challenges and opportunities for our industry.

Resource:

Decorative Hardwoods Association (formerly HPVA) eNews Volume XV, Issue IV: DHA Supports Legislation To Improve Trade Enforcement | White House Launches Low-Carbon Construction Initiative | Canada's Lumber Giants Expand Into U.S. | Vietnam's Wood Industry Continues To Grow

The U.S. South is becoming an increasingly important lumber supplier in North America. Canadian lumber companies are expanding into the region to gain access to its forests. An added benefit: avoiding U.S. tariffs on softwood.

Resources:

How many tree species are there on Earth?

Answer: About 73,000

Resource:

theguardian.com, and DHA: Global count estimates Earth has 73,000 tree species – 14% more than reported