The following update is courtesy of the Hardwood Federation:
Over the weekend, the White House released a fact sheet outlining the details of the deal reached between the U.S. and China. Among the commitments made by China was resuming purchases of U.S. soybeans, sorghum, and hardwood logs. It is unclear if there are additional Chinese purchase requirements, including hardwood lumber, in the agreement, the Federation will continue work with Congressional and administration officials to answer this question.
The Trump Administration has initiated a 301 Investigation of China’s Implementation of the Phase One Trade Deal which did require hardwood lumber purchases. The Hardwood Federation will submit comments noting commitments to purchase U.S. hardwood lumber were not met.