HFA asks for full USTR inquiry before hasty action

Roseville, CA (October 16, 2020) –

The Home Furnishings Association today called for a measured approach to the investigation into alleged trade violations by Vietnam before premature or unwarranted action is taken that would disrupt furniture supply chains.

The Office of U.S. Trade Representative says it will look into charges that Vietnam has engaged in currency manipulation and that it has exported some wood products containing illegally harvested timber into the United States.

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“The allegations contained in the USTR 301 investigation into Vietnam are very concerning on many levels, and we do not condone any of the practices alleged,” HFA CEO Mark Schumacher wrote in a letter to government leaders. “We know that the due process of the trade representative will be thorough and eventually there will be conclusions on all of these allegations. There will then be opportunities for the U.S. and Vietnam to work out solutions to these serious issues. 

“In the meantime, the Home Furnishings Association is asking that the USTR be given the ability to fully work through its investigative process. Further, we feel that any interim sanctions or punitive actions prior to those conclusions would negatively impact the home furnishing retail industry recovery through price hikes and further disruption of the supply chain and therefore would hurt the U.S. economy as a whole.” 

Schumacher noted that furniture stores, like other businesses, closed their doors for weeks earlier this year because of the coronavirus pandemic. When they reopened, they found strong demand for home furnishings products. This made the home furnishings sector a leader in the U.S. economic recovery. Meeting the demand for product, however, is hampered by supply chain delays, disruptions and price increases. Hasty action against Vietnam, before all the facts are known, could cause further harm to the furniture industry and the overall economy.

“HFA supports all efforts to 1) safely meet the needs of American consumers 2) help grow our economy 3) support environmentally sensitive practices and 4) promote fair and responsible business standards,” Schumacher wrote.  

For more information, contact:

Mark Schumacher

CEO

800.422.3778

mschumacher@myhfa.org

About the Home Furnishings Association:

The Home Furnishings Association (HFA), with roots dating back to 1920, is North America’s largest organization devoted specifically to the needs and interests of home furnishings retailers, with more than 1,400 members representing more than 7,000 storefronts across all 50 states and several countries. HFA provides members with programs, resources, services, and a unified voice in government relations by collaborating with home furnishings industry suppliers, vendors, affiliates and other organizations. For more information on the HFA visit www.myhfa.org.

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