Vietnam bans import of Chinese plywood

On the 12th of November 2019 the Vietnamese Minister of Industry and Trade of Vietnam signed and announced Circular No. 22/2019/TT-BCT on Temporary Suspension of border-gate transfer business and temporary import of plywood (HS 44.12) into Vietnam for re-export to US. This Circular takes effect from December 27, 2019 to December 31, 2024.

While export of Chinese plywood for the US is decreasing by trade conflict and Vietnam is taking over such business and export to the US is increasing but there is some concern that some Chinese outfits are exporting Chinese made farm products and industrial products as Vietnamese products and ship out to the US through Vietnam to avoid the increased duties in the US.

Since last June, the Vietnamese government tries to stop such detour trade and tightened rules and penalties on Chinese products, which are destined to the US as Vietnamese products and this new regulation is one of such restrictions.