US Dept. of Commerce classifies Vietnam as non-market economy, making it harder for Vietnamese business to obscure trade-distorting practices that harm US companies and workers; US manufacturers face challenges with mill closures, high interest rates

In a major victory for DHA's hardwood plywood and engineered wood flooring trade coalitions, the Department of Commerce has agreed that Vietnam is still a non-market economy. This is a big decision since Vietnam is the leading source of U.S. imports of both products—and these imports have been growing in recent months. DHA's trade coalitions filed comments advocating for this decision, which will make it harder for Vietnam to obscure trade-distorting practices that harm U.S. manufacturers and workers.

Unfortunately, it remains a challenging time for U.S. manufacturers. We are saddened to hear that the Wisconsin veneer mills of DHA member Besse Forest Products have been added to a growing list of mills closed in the last year. We may not be in a formal recession, but as unemployment grows, many in the manufacturing and homebuilding industries are struggling with high interest rates.

If you have questions or comments, contact me. I look forward to hearing from you.


Keith A. Christman, President
Decorative Hardwoods Association