NEWS

U.S. trade discussions with Canada to prepare for the mandatory review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) are lagging behind those with Mexico, said the U.S. Trade Representative. Two key issues being negotiated are the rules of origin requirements - what qualifies as a North American product under USMCA - and transshipment.

17 U.S. forest products industry associations, representing key sectors, have signed a joint statement urging the European Commission to further amend the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Specifically, the associations ask for practical changes to the plot-level geolocation data requirements.

On March 2, the U.S. Trade Representative delivered President Trump's 2026 Trade Policy Agenda and the 2025 Annual Report to Congress. Expect the Trump administration to continue working to reduce the U.S. trade deficit, achieve more balanced trade with trading partners, and reshore critical industries through trade agreements, enforcement measures, and industrial policy.

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has announced new Section 301 investigations into several U.S. trading partners to determine whether they're producing significantly more than what's needed in their local markets and dumping the excess into the U.S. at artificially low prices. Countries under investigation include China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam. Comments are due by April 15.

PHOTO © Gigel.atat

U.S. imports of hardwood plywood began the year with a decline of nearly 7% in volume in January 2026 vs. January 2025. Imports from Vietnam dropped by almost 50%. Imports from Indonesia fell by close to 8%. However, imports from Malaysia shot up by nearly 200%, and imports from Cambodia jumped by more than 440%.

PHOTO © James Tourtellotte, USCBP