United States Trade Ambassador Robert Lighthizer appeared on Fox News this morning and mentioned that “forest products, hardwood and lumber” are part of the trade deal with China. You can view the video clip here. The mention comes at 1:56.
Ensuring the Trump Administration considered hardwood during trade negotiations was a combined effort of many in the industry, including the National Wood Flooring Association, the Hardwood Federation and individual hardwood company leaders that recently came to Washington to speak with members of the administration and Congress.
Specific details on how Chinese purchases of hardwoods will be facilitated must still be determined. A final deal also still needs to be signed, however, this could occur as early as January. The NWFA will provide further information as it becomes available.