NEWS

There are eight flooring trends that will dominate in 2025, according to Martha Stewart Living. The leading trend is biophilic design—connecting to nature, or bringing the outdoors inside—which is the result of a shift towards a more eco-friendly outlook. Along the same lines, expect more consumers to choose natural alternatives over artificial flooring.

On November 12, the Department of Commerce issued the final results of the third annual administrative review of the antidumping and countervailing duties on wooden cabinets, vanities, and components from China. Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association declared their support of the subsidies applied but not of the zero antidumping duties calculated for 23 Chinese companies. 301 tariffs still apply, which add another 25% to the total duties.

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has announced a public meeting to discuss upcoming revisions to formaldehyde regulations. Changes include adding clarifying language to modify the equivalence testing ranges to match those of the EPA, removing the bar code option for providing compliance information on a finished good, and removing the bill of lading option for providing a statement of compliance. DHA experts will participate in the meeting.

Surface & Panel Magazine's fourth quarter issue includes our column on the revised 2024 hardwood plywood standard that summarizes key changes. This standard is an important part of our work, as it helps buyers and manufacturers communicate and specify natural hardwood plywood and its timeless beauty.

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Hardwood Federation Political Action Committee (PAC)-supported candidates, all proven industry supporters or key committee leaders, prevailed in the vast majority of their House and Senate races. 86 of 94 PAC-supported candidates have won their races so far. This includes 76 out of 84 House members and 10 out of 10 candidates for the Senate. Hardwood Federation PAC candidates represent 32 states across the country.