U.S. International Trade Commission Rules Against Hardwood Plywood Imports From Asia

ITC's Preliminary Determination on Hardwood and Decorative Plywood Imports

In a significant ruling benefiting American producers, the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has made an affirmative preliminary determination regarding hardwood and decorative plywood (HWDP) imports from China, Indonesia, and Vietnam. On July 3, 2025, the ITC found reasonable indications that these imports are materially injuring the U.S. industry.

This ruling is the result of efforts led by Wiley Rein LLP on behalf of the Coalition for Fair Trade in Hardwood Plywood, consisting of five major U.S. HWDP manufacturers: Columbia Forest Products, Commonwealth Plywood, Manthei Wood Products, States Industries, and Timber Products. These companies claim that the U.S. industry is suffering due to unfair competition from dumped and subsidized imports from the aforementioned countries. Timothy C. Brightbill, Wiley’s International Trade Practice co-chair and representative for the Coalition, stated, "Domestic hardwood and decorative plywood producers, along with the thousands of jobs they support, are adversely affected by these practices. The ITC's vote is a critical step towards restoring fair competition."

Earlier in June 2025, the U.S. Department of Commerce initiated investigations into antidumping and countervailing duties on HWDP imports from these countries. Allegations suggest substantial dumping margins, with figures reported up to 540.07% for Chinese products, 84.94% for Indonesian, and 152.41% for Vietnamese imports. Furthermore, the Department is scrutinizing various subsidy programs: 33 in China, 12 in Indonesia, and 26 in Vietnam.

The ITC's favorable preliminary injury determination allows the Department of Commerce to proceed with its investigations. Should the preliminary determinations be positive, provisional antidumping (AD) and countervailing duty (CVD) responsibilities will be levied on importers based on the calculated margins. Commerce is set to release its preliminary CVD determination by August 2025 and preliminary AD determination by October 2025.

If both the ITC and Commerce reach definitive conclusions, AD and CVD orders on HWDP imports from the targeted countries will be activated, imposing duties for a minimum period of five years on the unfairly traded goods. The imposition of these duties will seek to prevent any evasion, absorption, or circumvention of the established regulations. Furthermore, if there is a surge of imports from these countries prior to the preliminary determinations, Commerce and the Commission may impose retroactive duties on those shipments from 90 days before the ruling.

The legal team from Wiley representing the Coalition includes key members: International Trade Partner Stephanie M. Bell, Associate Stephen A. Morrison, and Trade Analysts Richard F. DiDonna and Amy M. Sherman. This case marks a critical point in the ongoing battle for fair trade practices in the hardwood and decorative plywood markets, ensuring that U.S. suppliers can compete on an even playing field against unfair international competition.

For more details or inquiries, you may contact Timothy Brightbill at [email protected].