The US-China trade dispute: Implications for Australian importers

China is one of the largest importers of US hardwoods and the current dispute is resulting in reduced imports from the US.

Timber from the USA is low risk of being illegally logged so Australian importers of furniture and flooring using US hardwoods should be aware of any shift to higher risk sources of hardwoods (for example, Eastern Russia or Africa).

Australian importers should include in any contracts a requirement for suppliers to inform you of any changes in types and sources of timber, so you can review your risk assessment before purchase and import. Even with this safeguard in place we suggest at a minimum an annual review.