U.S. ITC Imposes Heavy Duties on Chinese, Indonesian, Vietnamese Plywood Imports — Wiley Rein LLP

Event summary

The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) issued a unanimous affirmative final determination on August 19, 2026, finding that the U.S. hardwood and decorative plywood (HDP) industry has been materially injured by dumped and subsidized imports from China, Indonesia, and Vietnam.
The ITC's decision paves the way for the imposition of antidumping and countervailing duty orders, with the U.S. Department of Commerce having already published affirmative final determinations on July 16, 2026.
The combined antidumping and countervailing duty margins range from 28% to 275% for imports from China, Indonesia, and Vietnam, with specific rates varying by producer.
The Coalition for Fair Trade in Hardwood Plywood, represented by Wiley Rein LLP, filed petitions on May 22, 2025, alleging injury to the domestic industry due to unfair imports.

The big picture

The ITC's decision marks a significant victory for U.S. plywood manufacturers, who have been advocating for protection against what they allege are unfairly subsidized and dumped imports for over a decade. The high duty rates, particularly on Chinese imports, reflect the severity of the perceived trade distortion. This case is part of a broader trend of increased trade actions by the U.S. to protect domestic industries, which could have implications for global supply chains and trade relations.

What we're watching

Duty Enforcement: How the U.S. Department of Commerce will enforce the new antidumping and countervailing duty orders and whether importers will attempt to evade or circumvent the duties.
Market Impact: The pace at which U.S. plywood producers can capitalize on the levelled playing field and whether domestic production and employment will increase as a result.
Trade Relations: Whether the high duty rates will escalate trade tensions between the U.S. and China, Indonesia, and Vietnam, potentially leading to retaliatory measures.