NEWS

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

Decorative Hardwoods Association (formerly HPVA) eNews Volume XIX, Issue VI: U.S. Imports Of Hardwood Plywood Drop By 7% | USTR Announces New Section 301 Investigations | U.S.

Which hardwood trees have been proven to emit ultraviolet light during thunderstorms?

Answer: Scientists filmed the branches of a sweetgum tree during a thunderstorm, proving that the tree emitted ultraviolet light.