Briefing.
The business of building and furnishing Asia, companies, projects, policy, and people, reported and checked by our newsroom.
EU Deforestation Rules: Asia Palm Oil Faces Traceability Demands
The European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) is nearing implementation, requiring new traceability for products, including palm oil sourced from Southeast Asia.
Singapore Targets 20 Pulpwood, Palm Oil Firms Over Haze Law
Singaporean authorities issued notices to 20 companies, including major pulpwood and palm oil players, as the city-state experiences its longest period of unhealthy air since 2015, prompting calls for greater supply chain transparency.
US Adjusts Tariffs on Canadian Plywood, MDF, Wood Mouldings
The White House announced changes effective October 30, removing duties on certain packaging and plywood while extending them to specific fiberboard and wood mouldings.
EUDR Compliance Nears, US Seeks Weaker Rules
The EU Deforestation Regulation takes effect in under ten weeks, as US Congressman Lloyd Doggett urges Europe to maintain the law against administration efforts to dilute it.
US Cuts Canadian Softwood Duties to 24.75%; Total Tariff 34.75%
The US Department of Commerce reduced combined duties on Canadian softwood lumber to 24.75% from 35.16%, effective 21 October 2026, though a 10% Section 232 tariff maintains the total import tax at 34.75% for over 200 exporters.
Türkiye Reopens Market for US Oak After Two-Month Halt
The National Hardwood Lumber Association announced on October 19 that updated USDA phytosanitary rules now permit the resumption of US oak shipments to Türkiye, ending a disruption that began in August.
ITC Sylva AI Platform Supports EUDR Timber Compliance
The International Trade Centre (ITC) has launched Sylva, an AI-assisted tool designed to help businesses, particularly smallholders, meet the EU Deforestation Regulation requirements for wood products by 30 December 2026.
US importer challenges duties on New Zealand processed Canadian cedar
Coastal Forest Products is fighting a customs ruling that 11 processing steps in New Zealand were insufficient to change the origin of Canadian western red cedar.
Finnish Sawmills Warn: EU Nature Law Could Cost €1.2bn Annually
Seven Finnish forest and food sector groups are urging Prime Minister Petteri Orpo to seek flexibility in the EU Nature Restoration Law, citing potential impacts on up to 15 industrial sawmills each year and a €400 million funding gap.
Indonesia's Forest Clearing Policy: Land Permits Contradict Halt
Despite a government announcement to halt forest expansion for rice, 5.67 million hectares were recently designated for utilization permits, while 11,500 hectares for rice and 40,000 hectares for sugarcane have already been cleared in Papua.
EUDR Mandates Wood, Furniture Traceability from Dec 2026
The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) will require companies to verify deforestation-free and legal sourcing for wood products, including furniture and veneers, from December 30, 2026.
NAFTA Panel Upholds 35.16% Duty on Canadian Softwood Lumber
A binational NAFTA panel has fully upheld a US subsidy finding against Canadian softwood lumber, leaving a combined duty deposit of 35.16% in place for producers exporting to the United States.
Brazil Election Threatens Amazon Timber Supply Policy
The upcoming presidential vote in Brazil, home to 60% of the Amazon, could reverse anti-deforestation measures, impacting global sourcing of wood products and compliance efforts.
Australian Timber Importers Appoint Simon Dorries for Compliance
Simon Dorries began his role on October 1, 2026, with plans to expand membership and establish a compliance program for timber and wood-based product imports in Australia.
EUDR: Hardwood suppliers boost traceability for December 30 deadline
Hardwood suppliers are enhancing their commercial systems with geolocation data and due-diligence documentation to meet the EU Deforestation Regulation by December 30, 2026.
Indonesia Forms BPGMN Peatland Agency After 2024 Predecessor Closure
The National Peatland and Mangrove Management Agency (BPGMN) was announced September 24, 2026, following the 2024 shuttering of its predecessor, raising questions about its mandate.
NSW Hardwood Shift to Fibreglass, Steel Raises Emissions
New South Wales faces higher emissions from replacing native hardwood timber with imported wood, fibreglass, or steel, following a harvesting moratorium across 176,000 hectares of state forest.
Mondelēz Allegedly Spent €1.5M Lobbying Against EU Deforestation
Environmental watchdog Global Witness claims the food giant sought to delay the European Union Deforestation Regulation, which impacts all forest product imports.
China Pledges Responsible Timber Amid Illegal Logging Risk Data
A Macao forum heard China's commitment to forest conservation as 2025 customs data showed 61.3% of its wood imports originated from nations with elevated illegal harvesting risks.
AHEC Launches EUDR Compliance Platform for US Exporters
The American Hardwood Export Council has launched a system to help US exporters meet European Union Deforestation Regulation requirements, effective for larger companies from December 30, 2026.
EU Formalizes Leather Exemption from Deforestation Regulation
The European Commission officially excluded bovine hides from its deforestation regulation on 14 September 2026, prompting the industry to focus on voluntary standards and traceability ahead of a 2030 review.