RV Industry Testifies Before U.S. International Trade Commission on Hardwood and Decorative Plywood Investigation

On July 16, 2026, U.S. Representative Rudy Yakym (IN-02), Chad Reece, Vice President of Government and Industry Relations at Winnebago Industries, and Jon Wenger, President and CEO of Genesis Products, testified before the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) during the final phase of the antidumping and countervailing duty investigation on hardwood and decorative plywood from China, Indonesia, and Vietnam. They were joined by hardwood plywood importers and representatives from Indonesian mills.

Their testimony urged the Commission to find that ultra-thin (2.7- 3.6 mm) tropical plywood from Indonesia does not compete with U.S.-produced hardwood plywood. This material, commonly known as lauan plywood, is a critical input in the RV manufacturing process. Over many years of testing and production, the RV industry has determined that lauan plywood has unique properties that make it the best material for RV sidewalls and roofs. There are no domestic alternatives that provide the same combination of performance characteristics. Domestic hardwood plywood is thicker, heavier, and absorbs moisture, making it unsuitable for RV sidewalls and roofs, although it is commonly used for cabinets and other interior components.

In its 2017 antidumping and countervailing duty investigation on hardwood plywood from China, the USITC concluded that thin tropical plywood from Indonesia does not compete with domestically produced hardwood plywood. The RV industry urged the Commission to reach the same conclusion in this investigation. 

The RV Industry Association worked with Winnebago Industries to have a Winnebago Sunflyer Class C parked in front of the ITC building throughout the hearing. Both ITC Commissioners who attended the hearing in person stopped by to walk through the unit. Mr. Reece was able to point out the places lauan is used in the unit and showed samples of how the lauan is used to create the roof of the RV.

The USITC commissioners are expected to vote on August 19, 2026. We expect the full announcement and reasoning early to mid-September. The RV Industry Association will continue to provide information as it becomes available. Please contact Samantha Rocci, Director of Federal Affairs (srocci@riva.org), with questions or for more information.