New CVD/AD Investigation on Imported Hardwood Plywood

Dear Valued Partner,

On May 22, 2025, a group of four U.S. plywood producers—Columbia Forest Products, Timber Products, States Industries, and Manthei Inc.—filed a petition requesting countervailing (CVD) and antidumping (AD) duties on hardwood and decorative plywood imported from China, Vietnam, and Indonesia. The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) held a preliminary staff conference on June 12, and the case has now formally entered the investigation phase.

What This Means for the Industry—and for You

As this case proceeds, it will trigger significant disruptions in the U.S. supply chain for hardwood plywood. Preliminary CVD rates are expected as early as October 2025, with AD rates likely to follow in December. These duties could result in:

• Required cash deposits on the arrival of goods

• Retroactive tariffs depending on "critical circumstances" findings

• Severe delays, pricing volatility, and potential inventory shortfalls

These outcomes pose an unnecessary and harmful threat to cabinetmakers, furniture producers, millwork shops, and RV manufacturers, who rely on imported hardwood plywood products that are not substitutable with domestically produced panels.

Our Position and Our Commitment

Shelter Forest International strongly opposes this trade action. The petition is not about protecting American jobs—it is about consolidating market control by a handful of companies that seek to block competition through litigation rather than innovation.

SFI is fully engaged in the legal process. We are actively working with our trade counsel and industry partners to fight this flawed and opportunistic petition through to the final determinations in 2026. We are also closely monitoring developments to keep your business informed, protected, and supplied.

Navigating Forward

Our priorities during this period are clear:

• Transparency: We will keep you informed as the case progresses, including estimated duty rates, timelines, and risk scenarios.

• Continuity of Supply: We are actively developing diversified sourcing strategies to minimize disruptions.

• Advocacy: SFI will remain a leading voice for fairness and common sense in this process, defending your access to the materials your business depends on.

This is an attempt to weaponize trade law for private gain. It is wrong, and we will do everything in our power to prevent it from succeeding.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions, forecasts, or planning concerns—we are here to support you.

With appreciation and resolve,

Ryan Loe

President & CEO

Shelter Forest International

rloe@shelterforest.com