WASHINGTON - The final antidumping rate determination against Chinese hardwood and decorative plywood imports has been delayed until Sept. 5. The International Trade Administration said two of the affected companies requested the postponement of the deadline, which was originally set for July 17.

According to information in the Federal Register, the request was made by Xuzhou Jiangyang Wood Industries Co. Ltd and Xuzhou Jiangheng Wood Products Co. Ltd, and Linyi San Fortune Wood Co. A correction was also made to change the duty rate of Jiaxing Gsun Import & Export Co. to 22.14 percent.

It was on April 30 that the U.S. Department of Commerce announced a preliminary determination to impose antidumping duties of either 22.14% or 63.96% on the vast majority of imported Chinese hardwood plywood. Countervailing duties of 22.63 or 27.16 were announced in February.

The U.S. International Trade Commission(ITC) has estimated that $707.3 million worth of Chinese hardwood plywood is imported annually, representing about one-third of the total consumed in the United States. Hardwood plywood and decorative plywood are used in a number of products manufactured in the United States, including furniture, cabinetry, closets and components.

The ITC ruled in November 2012 that the plywood antidumping complaint had merit.

The complaint was initially filed in September 2012 by the Coalition for Fair Trade of Hardwood Plywood (CFTHP). The group claims that hardwood and decorative plywood imported from China was "sold in the United States at dumped prices.

In opposition to the petition, the American Alliance for Hardwood Plywood was formed. The AAHP contends the hardwood plywood product manufactured in China is "unique," and uses thinner veneer than that which is manufactured in the United States.