On Aug. 19, the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) released the result of its vote in the antidumping and countervailing duty investigation involving hardwood and decorative plywood from Indonesia, China, and Vietnam, the RV Industry Association reported in a News & Insights report.
The ITC issued an affirmative final determination in all three investigations, finding that the domestic industry is materially injured or threatened with material injury by imports of hardwood and decorative plywood from those three countries, including lauan from Indonesia. As a result of the affirmative determinations, Commerce will issue an antidumping order and a countervailing duty order on imports of plywood from Indonesia that fall within the scope of the investigation. The final AD/CVD rates are as follows:
- Dumping: 10%
- Subsidy:87%
At this time, the only information released is the result of the vote itself. The final report with the ITC’s rationale is expected to be released on Aug. 31. The RV Industry Association said it will review the Commission’s final determination and will provide members with additional information and potential next steps as it becomes available.
At the ITC hearing on July 16, RV industry representatives urged the ITC to find that ultra-thin tropical plywood from Indonesia does not compete with U.S.-produced hardwood plywood. This material, commonly known as lauan plywood, is a critical input in the RV manufacturing process. Over many years of testing and production, the RV industry has determined that lauan plywood has unique properties that make it the best material for RV sidewalls and roofs, RVIA said. Despite the ITC’s vote, there are no domestic alternatives that provide the same combination of performance characteristics.
To view the vote bulletin, click here.
The RV Industry Association will continue to provide information as it becomes available. Please contact Samantha Rocci, director of federal affairs ([email protected]), with questions or for more information.
