U.S. Delays Key Step in Plywood Import Trade Investigation
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The U.S. Department of Commerce announced a delay in the preliminary findings of its countervailing duty investigations into hardwood and decorative plywood from China, Indonesia, and Vietnam. This update was published in the Federal Register on July 22, 2025.
The investigations started on June 11, 2025. They focus on whether imports of these types of plywood from the three countries receive unfair government support, which can affect fair trade in the U.S.
The original due date for the preliminary determination was August 15, 2025. However, the deadline can be extended to give the Department more time. According to U.S. law, Commerce can delay this step if the investigation is complex or if there is a request from the petitioner.
On July 7, 2025, the Coalition for Fair Trade in Hardwood Plywood, the main group behind the complaint, formally asked Commerce to postpone the deadline. Their reason was to allow more time to fully review answers from mandatory respondents and to send out more questions if needed.
The request was made at least 25 days before the original deadline. U.S. rules were followed, and Commerce did not find any reason to deny the request.
Because of this, the Department of Commerce is postponing the preliminary determination. The new deadline is now October 20, 2025. This is because the 130th day after June 11 falls on a Sunday, so the decision moves to the next business day, which is Monday, October 20.
The final determination in these investigations will still be due 75 days after the new preliminary determination date.
For more details, the contact persons at the Department of Commerce are Rebecca Janz (China), Samuel Evans (Indonesia), and Sofia Pedrelli (Vietnam).
The notice was signed by Christopher Abbott, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and Negotiations.
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