NEWS

U.S. lawmakers introduced new legislation to expedite customs processing for wood products, with the support of the International Wood Products Association. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Environmental Investigation Agency argue that this will undermine enforcement of the Lacey Act.

The American Forest & Paper Association and the American Wood Council stated that EPA's Air Quality Rule delivers a devastating blow to U.S. manufacturing and the economy while doing nothing to address the largest sources of particulate matter, including smoke from wildfires. The organizations said that the unworkable rule undermines President Biden's promise to grow and restore manufacturing jobs.

The value of U.S. imports of engineered wood flooring declined by more than 28% in 2023, also as a result of high inventories early in the year and decreased demand, following dramatic increases in 2021 and 2022. Monthly data shows a similar story to imports of hardwood plywood, with increases in later parts of the year: imports in December grew by 13%.

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Following huge increases in 2021 and 2022, the value of hardwood plywood imports fell by 50% in 2023 due to high inventories at the beginning of the year and lower demand. However, monthly data shows significant increases in later parts of the year: imports in December were 53% higher vs. one year ago. Indonesia and Canada were the largest sources of imports; Vietnam fell to third place after the circumvention ruling.

A Florida couple was sentenced to nearly five years in prison after they confessed to disguising the Chinese origin of millions of dollars' worth of plywood imports to avoid paying $42 million in duties. In addition, the couple was ordered to pay $44 million in duties and fees.

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