NEWS

The U.S. Department of Commerce's final duty rule on Chinese imports of wood cabinets and vanities ranges from 13.33 to 269.91%, with most Chinese manufacturers to be assessed at about 59%. If the International Trade Commission finds that U.S. industry has been injured, these rates will apply in addition to Section 301 duties. A presentation by U.S. industry to the ITC demonstrates significant injury from Chinese imports.

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Decorative Hardwoods Association (formerly HPVA) eNews Volume XIII, Issue IV: Bipartisan Letter Calls For ITC Action On Imports Of Cabinets From China | Manthei Veneer Moves Forward | Chinese Cabinetmaker Considers North Carolina Investment | Global Wood Growth Slows

A Chinese cabinetmaker, GoldenHome, may invest $86 million in a new manufacturing plant near Charlotte, creating 256 jobs. The city of Concord is considering a major tax incentive package which includes an $803,515 grant paid over 5 years.

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After a devastating fire that completely destroyed the green end of their rotary face veneer mill, Manthei Veneer rebuilt with a new Meinan 8-foot lathe that runs thicknesses of 1/12 to 1/82 of an inch. A new Taihei knife grinder allows the mill to peel a wide variety of species. The mill competes now with thin Asian veneers and helps reduce costs for its hardwood plywood customers, noted Jeremy Manthei, President.

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A bipartisan Congressional letter called for the International Trade Commission to enforce U.S. trade law and protect the American cabinet and vanity industry from dumping of kitchen cabinets. The letter stressed that imports of cabinets from China have increased by more than 75% since 2015. Oregon's Senators filed a separate letter of support. The ITC has scheduled a final injury hearing for February 20.