A group of U.S. hardwood plywood manufacturers has once again submitted a petition to the U.S. government seeking duties on hardwood plywood products imported from China.

On Nov. 18, the Coalition for Fair Trade in Hardwood Plywood filed a petition with the U.S. International Trade Commission, alleging that China is shipping these goods to the U.S. market at less than normal market values. The group also alleges that the Chinese government is subsidizing manufacturers of these materials, which combined with the low prices, is injuring their companies with both financial and job losses.

Based on the alleged dumping activity, they are seeking duties of more than 100%.

The Coalition is made up of six manufacturers of hardwood plywood that include Columbia Forest Products, Commonwealth Plywood Inc., Murphy Plywood, Roseburg Forest Products Co., States Industries Inc. and Timber Products Company.

The scope of the product covered by the petition includes hardwood and decorative plywood used in a variety of uses such as furniture and kitchen cabinet components, desk tops, drawer sides, recreational vehicles and wall panels to name several. Duties on such products, which are assigned to Chinese factories and paid by importers of record, could ultimately increase the cost of finished goods that use such imported components for retailers and consumers alike.

This is the second time the Coalition has filed a petition to the U.S. government seeking duties. Following the first petition in September 2012, the ITC ultimately determined that the U.S. hardwood plywood industry was not materially injured by imports from China.

(Source: Furniture Today  Author: Thomas Russell)