EUDR Flexibility, Suspension of Port Strike Deliver Good News to Hardwoods

Last week U.S. hardwood companies breathed sighs of relief as reprieves were granted related to two issues of great concern.  First, on October 1, the European Commission announced that it was proposing a 12-month delay for implementation of the E.U. Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). This action signals much needed flexibility for a rule that the U.S. wood products industry and broader agriculture sector deem to be unworkable. The Hardwood Federation has been working closely with the American Hardwood Export Council to educate U.S. government officials about the seriously negative impacts of this regulation on the industry.  The implementation delay will give us extra time to continue our efforts and allow AHEC time to further develop and finalize some potential reporting solutions. In a second much welcome development on Friday, October 4, dockworkers on the Atlantic and Gulf coasts agreed to extend their existing contract until January 15, 2025, suspending the work stoppage that began midnight on September 30. With the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), representing workers, and U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX), which represents the ports, returning to the bargaining table, the issue of automation remains the most challenging issue to resolve. On the advocacy front, the Federation submitted a dozen examples to the Department of Commerce of hardships caused by the strike, illustrating the necessity of bringing a quick end to the work stoppage.  Also, the Federation and its partners in the ocean shipping coalition sent a letter to the President on October 2, urging the Administration to use available tools to end the strike and “take immediate action to resolve this situation expeditiously.” The Federation will keep you posted on developments. 

Product Category Rule Poised for Update

In August, the Federation submitted a comment to UL Solutions, an independent certification entity, on the Product Category Rule (PCR) for structural wood products.  This PCR outlines requirements for Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) focusing on wood and comes up for renewal every five years.  The Federation has advocated for minimal changes to the current version to prevent an extended comment period, an exercise which could understate the carbon value of wood products within a revised PCR. That said, UL Solutions has indicated that based on the volume of comments received, that it will likely move forward with development of an updated standard. The Federation will keep you updated on developments. 

Hardwood Federation on the Road

With Congress on the campaign trail this fall, the Hardwood Federation has been hitting the campaign trail as well, making the rounds of industry events.  Executive Director Dana Lee Cole presented updates to four of the Federation’s member associations over the last few weeks. On September 23-24, she attended the Western Hardwood Association annual meeting in Ridgefield, WA.  She then traveled to St. Louis, MO from October 2-4 for the National Hardwood Lumber Association convention in St. Louis followed by a quick trip to the Las Vegas area for the Railway Tie Association annual convention.  Then it was back to St. Louis from October 10-12 for the National Wood Flooring Association’s board meeting and Leadership Summit.  Concerns regarding the European Union Deforestation Regulations and the Port Strike were big topics of conversation at the earlier meetings.  Interest in how the election will impact Hardwood Federation priorities was high at all events, certainly a reflection of the many challenges currently facing the industry.  Dana and the Federation team appreciated the opportunity to speak to our association members and hear directly from them their top-of-mind issues.

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