A new trade petition filed with U.S. authorities could saddle plywood imports from China, Indonesia, and Vietnam with crushing tariffs — unless importers and exporters actively participate in the case.

Companies that fail to respond to government inquiries in such anti-dumping petitions risk default rates as high as 474%, applied across the board.

What's at Stake?

On May 22, 2025, the Coalition for Fair Trade in Hardwood Plywood, represented by Wiley Rein LLP, filed a petition with the U.S. Department of Commerce and the International Trade Commission. The group accuses foreign producers of receiving unfair subsidies and selling at less than fair value, undercutting the U.S. market.

If the petition succeeds and businesses don’t respond to questionnaires or engage in the process, punitive anti-dumping and countervailing duties will likely follow. These are the potential rates:

• China – up to 474.2%
• Indonesia – up to 202.8%
• Vietnam – up to 133.72%

Who Needs to Respond?

If you import or export hardwood and decorative plywood, including veneered panels, you may soon receive formal questionnaires from the U.S. government. These must be completed thoroughly and on time.

Inaction is treated as non-cooperation — and triggers the highest proposed tariffs by default.

What Products Are Covered?

Most multilayered plywood and veneered panels — whether coated, trimmed, or processed in third countries — are included in the scope. Typical panel sizes such as 48 x 96 inches are explicitly mentioned. Even minor modifications won’t remove a product from coverage.

What’s Excluded?

Some products are carved out of the investigation, including:

• Structural plywood certified to meet U.S. building codes
• Cork-faced panels
• Products already subject to existing trade orders
• Fully assembled or ready-to-assemble furniture and cabinets
• Solid bamboo and finished countertops/tabletops

Key Dates – Anti-dumping Investigation

• May 22, 2025 – Petition filed
• June 11, 2025 – Investigation initiated
• July 6, 2025 – ITC preliminary determination
• Oct 29 – Dec 18, 2025 – DOC preliminary determination window
• Jan 14 – May 2, 2026 – DOC final determination, depending on extensions
• Feb 28 – June 17, 2026 – ITC final determination, depending on schedule

Key Dates – Countervailing Duty Investigation

• June 11, 2025 — Investigation initiated
• July 6, 2025 — ITC preliminary determination
• Aug 15 – Oct 19, 2025 — DOC preliminary determination
• Oct 29, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026 — Final determinations, depending on alignment with AD schedule
• Dec 13, 2025 – Feb 18, 2026 — ITC final determination

Don't Wait. Get Guidance Now.

The government’s process moves quickly. Companies that fail to participate will have no voice in the outcome — and no defense against sky-high tariffs.

For more information, please contact Lizbeth R. Levinson at llevinson@foxrothschild.com or any member of the firm's International Trade Practice.

This information is intended to inform firm clients and friends about legal developments, including the decisions of courts and administrative bodies. Nothing in this alert should be construed as legal advice or a legal opinion. Readers should not act upon the information contained in this alert without seeking the advice of legal counsel. Views expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily this law firm or its clients. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.