U.S. Launches AD/CVD Investigations on Hardwood and Plywood from China, Indonesia, and Vietnam

Trade Update • July 3, 2025

Note: This is a developing story. Please stay tuned for updates as the investigations progress.

Key Points:

• The U.S. has launched antidumping (AD) and countervailing duty (CVD) investigations into hardwood and decorative plywood imports from China, Indonesia, and Vietnam.

• Most hardwood and decorative plywood products are covered, while structural plywood and fully assembled furniture are excluded.

• Subsidy rates for all three countries are above the minimum threshold.

• Importers should prepare for possible retroactive duties on shipments entered after June 11, 2025.

• Preliminary determinations are expected in August (countervailing) and October (antidumping) 2025, and final decisions in early 2026.

n June 11, 2025, the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) began AD/CVD investigations into hardwood and decorative plywood imports from China, Indonesia, and Vietnam. The investigations aim to determine whether these imports are being sold below fair price (dumping) or receiving unfair government subsidies (countervailing duties).

This action followed petitions filed by the Coalition for Fair Trade in Hardwood Plywood on May 22, 2025, claiming that these imports are causing harm to the U.S. plywood industry. If unfair trade practices are found, importers may face extra duties on goods imported after June 11, 2025.

What Products Are Covered?

• Hardwood and decorative plywood consisting of two or more layers of wood veneers, with or without a core

• The face or back veneer must be composed of hardwood, softwood, or bamboo

• The core may be made of hardwood, softwood, particleboard, medium-density fiberboard (MDF), or other materials

• All surface coatings and finishes are included, even if they obscure the natural wood grain

• Plywood that has been trimmed, cut-to-size, notched, punched, or drilled remains within scope

• All sizes and thicknesses are covered; common panel dimensions include 48 x 72, 48 x 96, and 48 x 120 inches

• Plywood further processed in a third country is included, provided such processing does not remove the product from the scope of the investigation

Exclusions

• Structural/industrial plywood meeting specific U.S. standards and core species requirements

• Products with cork veneers, certain bamboo products, and multilayered wood flooring already subject to existing orders

• Fully assembled or ready-to-assemble furniture and kitchen cabinets

• Finished table tops and countertops

• Certain laminated veneer lumber (LVL) components and two-ply products that cannot be further processed

Alleged Dumping Margins and Subsidy Rates

Commerce has notified the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) of its final determinations. The ITC will now determine whether the domestic industry is materially injured by imports of disposable aluminum containers from China and thermoformed molded fiber products from Vietnam. If the ITC issues an affirmative determination, Commerce will issue an antidumping duty order, enforcing cash deposit requirements for applicable entries.

*De minimis is less than 1% for developed countries and less than 2% for developing countries; rates above these thresholds are considered significant.

Case Timeline

The U.S. DOC and the International Trade Commission (ITC) will conduct a series of investigations and determinations over several months.

Deadlines may be extended under specific circumstances as governed by the Tariff Act of 1930.

Our Recommendations for Importers

• Check if your products fall within the scope of the investigation.

• Monitor updates from the Department of Commerce and the ITC.

• Be prepared for possible extra costs, including duties or bonding requirements.

• Submit comments or documentation during the investigation, if applicable.

• Work closely with your customs broker to assess your exposure, determine if your products are affected, and ensure your import documentation is accurate and complete.

For more information, you may visit:

• Federal Register: Search using case numbers A-570-211, C-570-212 (China); A-560-844, C-560-845 (Indonesia); A-552-851, C-552-852 (Vietnam).

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection: Antidumping and Countervailing Duties

How GHY Can Help?

GHY specializes in helping businesses navigate and reduce the impacts of tariffs through strategic solutions tailored to their needs. Our experts can audit your supply chain to identify inefficiencies, uncover cost-saving opportunities, and ensure compliance with evolving trade regulations. We also employ tariff engineering techniques to optimize product classification and sourcing strategies, minimizing duty exposure and maximizing profitability.

By partnering with GHY, your business gains access to the tools and expertise needed to streamline operations and stay competitive in a challenging trade environment.

Contact Us Today! Booking a Meeting, email consult@ghy.com, or call +1 (800) 667-0771.