The hardwood industry was not included in a federal aid package for industries negatively impacted by the ongoing trade war with China, according to the Hardwood Federation. The Federation had recently lobbied for the hardwood industry’s inclusion in the aid package, generating more than 1,000 messages to Congress from more than 330 hardwood industry professionals.
The commodity aid package from the U.S. Department of Agriculture was announced May 23 and will go to U.S. farmers who produce edible farm goods and cotton.
“In spite of this setback we will continue to reach out to Congress and the Administration to explore options for those in the industry hit by the retaliatory tariffs imposed by China,” the Hardwood Federation said in a statement.
The U.S. increased tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods from 10% to 25% on May 10, and China retaliated three days later. The tariffs include hardwood flooring products.