The Home Depot closed its remaining seven home improvement big box stores in China, laying off 850. Lack of a DIY culture and fewer free standing homes were cited. A $160 Million charge against earning will be taken.

The Home Depot today announced it is closing its remaining seven big box stores in China as the Company shifts its focus in that market to specialty stores and online offerings.

Sourcing the best value from 3,000 exhibiting companies from all over the world, Furniture China 2012, as a grand furniture exhibition, will be held on 11 - 15 September in Shanghai, China. Starting this year, Furniture China becomes a five-day exhibition, which is one more day than before, in order to meet the buyers' demands.

Construction expenditures in China will increase 8.8 percent per annum in real terms through 2016.

The market for residential kitchen and bathroom countertops in China is expected to grow 6.5 percent per year to 82.1 million square meters in 2015.

The 13th Chengdu International Furniture Exposition is opened in Chengdu's Century City New International Exhibition Center.

U.S. hardwood lumber exports remained strong in March 2012, the latest month for which trade data are available.

Flow of Manufacturing Jobs Between China and the West to Equalize; China Could Suffer, as it also Faces Pressure from Low-Cost Labor Countries

U.S. residential furniture shipments posted double-digit gains for sixth straight month and demand for U.S. hardwoods is expected to slow due turmoil in Europe.

Hardwood lumber shipments to China could surpass 2011’s record levels, creating a potential for limited availability and increased prices.