News & Events

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• 2 Jul
  2020 North American Capacity Report Published July 2, 2020

  CPA has published its 2020 North American Capacity Report summarizing the annual production capacity of particleboard, medium density fiberboard, hardboard and engineered wood siding and trim plants in North America, as reported by producers. Read More
• 2 Jul
  2020 North American Industry Map Available July 2, 2020

  CPA’s 2020 North American composite panel industry map is available for purchase as a print-ready high-resolution PDF. Read More
• 2 Jul
  CPA Welcomes New Associate Members July 2, 2020

  The CPA Board of Directors recently voted to approve the following new Associate Members. Read More
• 2 Jul
  U.S. Construction Spending through May Exceeds 2019 July 2, 2020

  U.S. construction spending in May was estimated at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $1.36 trillion, falling 2.1% from April but rising 0.3% from the year-ago period. Read More
• 2 Jul
  U.S. Manufacturing Shipments Up in May July 2, 2020

  Total seasonally adjusted shipments for all U.S. manufacturing industries in May rose 3.1% from April to $417 billion. Read More
• 2 Jul
  U.S. Consumer Confidence Jumps in June July 2, 2020

  U.S. consumer confidence in June registered at 98.1, rising 14.2% from May, according to The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index. Read More
• 2 Jul
  U.S. Furniture Orders Plummet in April July 2, 2020

  U.S. residential furniture factory orders in April fell 61% from the comparable month in 2019, and were down 52% from March, according to a recent survey of manufacturers and distributors. Read More
• 2 Jul
  Architectural Billings Slightly Improve in May July 2, 2020

  The Architecture Billings Index in May increased 2.5 points from April to 32.0 but still indicates poor business conditions at a majority of firms, according to The American Institute of Architects Economics & Market Research Group. Read More
• 2 Jul
  U.S. Interior Design Billings Increase in May July 2, 2020

  The Interior Design Billings Index, derived from a survey of the American Society of Interior Design member-owned firms, rose 24.6 points in May to 43.5, indicating a rebound from COVID-19-related declines. Read More
• 2 Jul
  Canadian Building Permits Rise in May July 2, 2020

  Canadian building permits in May increased 20.2% from April to $7.4 billion (CAD) but were down 13.6% from the year-ago period. Read More
• 26 Jun
  May Industry Snapshot Available June 26, 2020

  The May Industry Snapshot Report is now available to members. Read More
• 26 Jun
  May TFL Report Now Available June 26, 2020

  The May TFL Shipments Report is now available to members. Read More
• 26 Jun
  LP Building Solutions Finalizes Sale of East River Facility to Maibec June 26, 2020

  LP Building Solutions, Nashville, TN, finalized the sale of its exterior siding production facility in East River, Nova Scotia to Maibec Inc. Read More
• 26 Jun
  NAM Provides COVID-19 Resources to Support U.S. Manufacturers June 26, 2020

  The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) continues to support the U.S. manufacturing community at this challenging time through the creation of a webpage dedicated to providing a robust set of COVID-19 resources.  Read More
• 26 Jun
  U.S. Home Sales Soar in May June 26, 2020

  U.S. sales of new single-family homes in May were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 676,000, increasing 16.6% from April and 12.7% higher than the comparable month last year. Read More
• 26 Jun
  Canadian Construction Investment Sees Record Drop in April June 26, 2020

  Total investment in Canadian building construction in April was $8.4 billion (CAD), plummeting 45.9% from March, a record decline since the current series began in 2010. Read More
• 26 Jun
  Houzz Releases 2020 Renovation Trends Report June 26, 2020

  Houzz recently released its 2020 U.S. Houzz & Home Study: Renovation Trends report, which surveyed over 87,000 U.S. homeowners about renovations completed in 2019 and future investments planned for 2020. Read More
• 22 Jun
  CPA Names New President June 22, 2020

  The Composite Panel Association announced today the hiring of Andy O’Hare as the new President beginning August 3, 2020. Read More
• 19 Jun
  May Safety Report Now Available June 19, 2020

  The May Safety Report is now available. Read More
• 19 Jun
  Canada Initiates Antidumping Investigation on Chinese Decorative Plywood June 19, 2020

  Canada has initiated an antidumping and countervailing duty investigation into imported Chinese decorative plywood. Read More
• 19 Jun
  U.S. Housing Starts Increase Over April June 19, 2020

  U.S. housing starts in May were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 974,000, up 4.3% from the revised April estimate but 23.2% lower than the comparable month last year. Read More
• 19 Jun
  U.S. Builder Confidence Rebounds June 19, 2020

  U.S. builder confidence for new single-family homes in June soared 21 points from May to 58 points on the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index. Read More
• 19 Jun
  Canadian Manufacturing Posts Record Drop in April June 19, 2020

  Seasonally adjusted Canadian wood product sales in April were $1.94 billion, falling 19.0% from March and down 20.7% from the comparable month last year. Read More
• 11 Jun
  Final Amendments Published for PCWP Air Toxics Standards June 11, 2020

  On June 8, EPA issued a pre-publication of the finalized amendments to the 2004 National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for the Plywood and Composite Wood Products source category.  Read More
• 11 Jun
  U.S. Initiates Inquiry on Hardwood Plywood Imports from Vietnam June 11, 2020

  The U.S. Department of Commerce announced this week that it has initiated an inquiry into whether Vietnamese imports of hardwood plywood that use components from China are circumventing the existing antidumping and countervailing duties for Chinese hardwood plywood. Read More
• 11 Jun
  IWF Cancelled 2020 Woodworking Show June 11, 2020

  IWF just announced the cancellation of the 2020 show due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Read More
• 11 Jun
  Greenbuild Conference & Expo to Go Virtual June 11, 2020

  Greenbuild International Conference & Expo 2020, originally scheduled for November 10-12 in San Diego, has been converted to an all-virtual format. Read More
• 11 Jun
  U.S. Manufacturing Shipments Decrease in April June 11, 2020

  Total seasonally adjusted shipments for all U.S. manufacturing industries in April shrunk 13.5% from March to $406.8 billion. Read More
• 11 Jun
  Mexico Manufacturing Up Slightly in May June 11, 2020

  The IHS Markit Mexico Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index was 38.3 in May, up 3.3 points from April’s record low. Read More
• 11 Jun
  Canadian Housing Starts Decrease in May June 11, 2020

  Canadian housing starts in May totaled 196,750 units, dropping from 198,644 in April.  Read More
• 4 Jun
  CPA-Led Coalition Files Comments on EPA Formaldehyde TSCA Scoping Document June 4, 2020

  CPA joined with 11 other trade associations under the Federal Wood Industries Coalition to file comments this week on EPA’s draft formaldehyde TSCA scoping document.  Read More
• 4 Jun
  EPA Extends Self-Identification Deadline for TSCA Fees June 4, 2020

  EPA issued a press release last week extending the comment and self-identification period for stakeholders subject to fees associated with EPA TSCA risk evaluations from May 27 to June 15, 2020.  Read More
• 4 Jun
  CPA Expands Spotlight on Mill Safety June 4, 2020

  Mill safety is a top priority for the composite panel industry, and CPA wants to strengthen this commitment by providing a vehicle for members to share lessons learned from safety challenges encountered during manufacturing operations.  Read More
• 4 Jun
  MJB Wood Group President & CEO to Retire June 4, 2020

  MJB Wood Group, Irving, TX, announced the retirement of Joe Caldwell, President and CEO, after 33 years with the company. Read More
• 4 Jun
  U.S. Construction Spending Falls in April June 4, 2020

  U.S. construction spending in April was estimated at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $1.35 trillion, falling 2.9% from March but rising 3.0% from the year-ago period.  Read More
• 4 Jun
  U.S. Consumer Confidence Increases in May June 4, 2020

  U.S. consumer confidence in May registered at 86.6, rising 1.0% from April, according to The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index. Read More
• 4 Jun
  U.S. Kitchen and Bath Sales Down in April June 4, 2020

  U.S. kitchen and bath cabinet sales in April 2020 were 22% lower than the comparable month in 2019, and year-to-date totals fell 1.0% from the year-ago period, according to the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association's monthly Trend of Business member survey.  Read More
• 4 Jun
  Canadian Construction Investment Decreases in March June 4, 2020

  Total investment in Canadian building construction in March was $15.4 billion, decreasing 3.6% from February. Read More
• 29 May
  Spring Committee and Board Meeting Recap Now Available May 29, 2020

  The meeting materials and minutes from the recent Board and Committee meetings held virtually are now available on the association website. Read More
• 29 May
  U.S. Home Sales Up in April May 29, 2020

  U.S. sales of new single-family homes in April were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 623,000, increasing 0.6% from March but 6.2% lower than the comparable month last year. Read More
• 29 May
  U.S. Furniture Orders Fall in March May 29, 2020

  U.S. residential furniture factory orders in March fell 29% from the comparable month in 2019, according to a recent survey of manufacturers and distributors. Read More
• 29 May
  Canadian Building Permits Down; Multi-Family Rises in April May 29, 2020

  Canadian building permits in April dropped 17.1% from March to $6.0 billion (CAD) and were down 37% from the year-ago period. Read More
• 29 May
  Home Improvement Retailers Post Mixed Quarterly Financial Results May 29, 2020

  The world’s two largest home improvement retailers published first quarter financial results. Read More
• 29 May
  U.S. Multifamily Housing Projects Affected by Pandemic May 29, 2020

  A multi-family construction firm survey asking about changing marketing conditions due to the COVID-19 pandemic found that more than 50% were experiencing construction delays. Read More
• 29 May
  U.S. Home Renovation Projects Continuing Amid COVID-19 May 29, 2020

  Nearly 52% of homeowners already undergoing home renovation projects before the COVID-19 pandemic were able to continue them, according to a recent survey of 1,000 homeowners by Houzz. Read More
• 22 May
  April Industry Snapshot Available May 22, 2020

  The April Industry Snapshot Report is now available to members. Read More
• 22 May
  April TFL Report Now Available May 22, 2020

  The April TFL Shipments Report is now available to members. Read More
• 22 May
  Spring Virtual Board and Committee Meetings May 22, 2020

  Given the cancellation of the Spring Meeting last month, the CPA Board of Directors and working committee’s held virtual meetings recently to review association programs and re-evaluate budgets due to financial impact from the COVID-19 pandemic. Read More
• 22 May
  R.E.D. Foundation Scholarship Winners Announced May 22, 2020

  The Robert E. Dougherty Educational Foundation is proud to announce the 2020 scholarship recipients. Read More
• 22 May
  U.S. Builder Confidence Increases in May May 22, 2020

  U.S. builder confidence for new single-family homes in May rose 7 points from April to 37 points on the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index. Read More
• 22 May
  U.S. Housing Starts Down 30% in April May 22, 2020

  U.S. housing starts in April were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 891,000, down 30.2% from the revised March estimate and 29.7% lower than the comparable month last year. Read More
• 22 May
  U.S. Home Size Increases in Q1 May 22, 2020

  The square footage of new U.S. single-family homes expanded in the first quarter. Read More
• 22 May
  Architectural Billings Continue Decline in April May 22, 2020

  The Architecture Billings Index in April dropped 3.8 points from March to 29.5, the lowest score in the index’s nearly 25-year history, according to The American Institute of Architects Economics & Market Research Group. Read More
• 15 May
  April Safety Report Now Available May 15, 2020

  The April Safety Report is now available. Read More
• 15 May
  Q1 Kitchen and Bath Market Index Trends Down May 15, 2020

  The Kitchen & Bath Market Index, produced jointly by the National Kitchen & Bath Association and John Burns Real Estate Consulting, dropped 28.8 points from Q4 2019 to 41.0 in the first quarter. Read More
• 15 May
  U.S. Hotel Construction Hits All-Time High in March May 15, 2020

  U.S. hotel construction in March totaled 214,704 rooms, the highest amount ever recorded, according to STR. Read More
• 15 May
  Canadian Hotel Construction Strong in Q1 May 15, 2020

  Canadian hotel construction remained strong in Q1, with 304 projects and a record-setting 40,291 rooms under construction. Read More
• 15 May
  Canadian Manufacturing Falls in March May 15, 2020

  Seasonally adjusted Canadian wood product sales in March were $2.36 billion, falling 3.3% from February and down 4.6% from the comparable month last year. Read More
• 8 May
  2019 Safety Award Recipients Announced May 8, 2020

  CPA traditionally recognizes Safety Award Recipients during the Chairman’s Dinner at the annual Spring Meeting.  Read More
• 8 May
  April Safety Report Now Available May 8, 2020

  The April Safety Report is now available. Read More
• 8 May
  U.S. Manufacturing Shipments Decrease in March May 8, 2020

  Total seasonally adjusted shipments for all U.S. manufacturing industries in March decreased 5.2% from February to $473.6 billion. Read More
• 8 May
  U.S. Cabinet Sales Increase in March May 8, 2020

  Read More
• 8 May
  Canadian Housing Starts Increase in April Excluding Quebec May 8, 2020

  Canadian housing starts in April totaled 199,589 units, down 2.59% from March. Read More
• 8 May
  Canadian Building Permits Decrease in March May 8, 2020

  Canadian building permits in March fell 13.2% from February to $7.4 billion and were down 11.4% from the year-ago period. Read More
• 8 May
  Mexico Manufacturing Down in April May 8, 2020

  The IHS Markit Mexico Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index was 35.0 in April, down 12.9 points from March, the sharpest decline in the survey’s nine-year history. Read More
• 1 May
  USMCA to Enter-Into-Force on July 1 May 1, 2020

  The U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer notified Congress last week that Canada and Mexico have taken the measures necessary to comply with commitments under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement.  Read More
• 1 May
  Consumer Confidence Falls in April May 1, 2020

  U.S. consumer confidence in April registered at 86.9, decreasing 31.9 points from March, according to The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index. Read More
• 1 May
  U.S. Interior Design Billings Decrease in March May 1, 2020

  The Interior Design Billings Index derived from the American Society of Interior Design member-owned firms fell 20.6 points in March to 28.4. Read More
• 1 May
  U.S. Construction Spending Increases in March May 1, 2020

  U.S. construction spending in March was estimated at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $1.36 trillion, increasing 0.9% from February and rising 4.7% higher than the year-ago period.  Read More
• 1 May
  Builder Confidence Declines in the 55+ Housing Market May 1, 2020

  U.S. builder confidence in the 55+ housing market for single-family homes in Q1 2020 was down 30 points from Q4 2019 to 38, according to the National Association of Home Builders 55+ Housing Market Index.  Read More
• 1 May
  U.S. Furniture Orders Up in February May 1, 2020

  U.S. residential furniture factory orders in February rose 6% from the comparable month in 2019, according to a recent survey of manufacturers and distributors. Read More
• 1 May
  Furniture Retailers Reflect on 2020 Outlook May 1, 2020

  A recent survey of 102 furniture retailers by TD Bank found differing views on the future of retail business for the rest of 2020 after the COVID-19 pandemic. Read More
• 1 May
  Canadian Building Construction Prices Rise in Q1 May 1, 2020

  Canadian building construction prices for residential construction rose 0.6% in the first quarter, and non-residential costs increased 0.5%. Read More
• 1 May
  Fastmarkets RISI Particleboard and MDF Commentary Published May 1, 2020

  The April issue of the Particleboard and MDF Commentary has been published and includes detailed economic analysis of the North American markets. Read More
• 24 Apr
  Industry Snapshot Report Now Available April 24, 2020

  The March Industry Snapshot Report is now available to members. Read More
• 24 Apr
  TFL Shipments Report Now Available April 24, 2020

  The March TFL Shipments Report is now available to members. Read More
• 24 Apr
  Tafisa Completes Particleboard Press Upgrade April 24, 2020

  Tafisa, Lac-Mégantic, Quebec, announced the completion of the upgrade to its Line 1 particleboard press. Read More
• 24 Apr
  Arauco to Close Bennettsville MDF April 24, 2020

  Arauco, Atlanta, GA, announced this week the closing of its Bennettsville, South Carolina MDF plant, effective May 18. Read More
• 24 Apr
  U.S. Home Sales Fall in March April 24, 2020

  U.S. sales of new single-family homes in March were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 627,000, decreasing 15.4% from February and 9.5% lower than the comparable month last year. Read More
• 24 Apr
  U.S. Remodeling Spending Predicted to Decline into 2021 April 24, 2020

  U.S. remodeling and repair activity pre-pandemic was predicted to increase 3.9% by the first quarter of 2021. Read More
• 24 Apr
  Canadian Construction Investment Increases in February April 24, 2020

  Total investment in Canadian building construction in February was $15.9 billion, increasing 1.3% from January. Read More
• 24 Apr
  COVID-19 Creates New Home Office Furniture Opportunities April 24, 2020

  A March/April 2020 survey conducted by Furniture Today found new opportunities for office furniture sales due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Read More
• 24 Apr
  Architectural Billings Post Sharp Decline in March April 24, 2020

  The Architecture Billings Index in March dropped 20.1 points from February to 33.3, the biggest single month decrease in the index’s nearly 25-year history, according to The American Institute of Architects Economics & Market Research Group. Read More
• 24 Apr
  HDI Supplies Tafisa TFL to Support Temporary Hospital Build April 24, 2020

  Hardwoods Distribution Inc. supplied Tafisa TFL panels for the creation of nurse’s stations and tables at a temporary hospital built recently in New York state by the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers to support the COVID-19 pandemic. Read More
• 24 Apr
  Uniboard Supports Covid-19 Pandemic Efforts with Materials for Patient Modules April 24, 2020

  Uniboard, Laval, Quebec, provided Safespace24 with TFL, particleboard and MDF to create Watchpod patient monitoring modules. Read More
• 17 Apr
  CPA President Departing in September April 17, 2020

  Last week, CPA Chairman Pat Aldred (GP Wood Products) shared with the Board of Directors that President Jackson Morrill has accepted a new position as President and CEO of the American Wood Council, starting September 16, 2020.  Read More
• 17 Apr
  EPA Webinar Further Clarifies TSCA Risk Analysis Fee Obligations April 17, 2020

  Yesterday, EPA hosted a webinar to clarify TSCA Risk Analysis fee obligations following the recently announced changes to the list of responsible stakeholders.  Read More
• 17 Apr
  March Safety Report Now Available April 17, 2020

  The March Safety Report is now available. Read More
• 17 Apr
  ANSI Approves Reaffirmation of Hardboard, Engineered Wood Siding & Trim Standards April 17, 2020

  CPA is pleased to announce the successful reaffirmation of the following American National Standards Institute standards. Read More
• 17 Apr
  U.S. Housing Starts Down in March April 17, 2020

  U.S. housing starts in March were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.2 million, down 22.3% from the revised February estimate but 1.4% higher than the comparable month last year. Read More
• 17 Apr
  U.S. Builder Confidence Falls to 8-Year Low April 17, 2020

  U.S. builder confidence for new single-family homes in April fell 42 points from March to 30 points on the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index. Read More
• 17 Apr
  NAHB Redesigns Remodeling Market Index for Q1 2020 April 17, 2020

  The NAHB announced the re-design of the Remodeling Market Index as of Q1 2020. Read More
• 17 Apr
  U.S. Manufacturing Output Posts Historic Decline in March April 17, 2020

  The Federal Reserve announced U.S. manufacturing production fell 6.3% in March, the sharpest one-month loss since 1946. Read More
• 17 Apr
  Canadian Manufacturing Up Slightly in February April 17, 2020

  Seasonally adjusted Canadian wood product sales in February were $2.41 billion, rising 0.2% from January but off 3.4% from the comparable month last year. Read More
• 17 Apr
  Houzz Q2 Renovation Barometer Reflects COVID Impact April 17, 2020

  The Q2 2020 Houzz Renovation Barometer tracking residential renovation market expectations and recent business activity in the construction and architectural design services industries was recently released. Read More
• 9 Apr
  CPA Spring Meeting Canceled April 9, 2020

  Due to circumstances related to COVID-19 making it impossible to proceed, the 2020 CPA Spring Meeting has been canceled. Read More
• 9 Apr
  CPA Names Canadian Representative to Succeed Bisson April 9, 2020

  CPA is pleased to announce the hire of Kevin Warkentin to succeed Donald Bisson as CPA’s Canadian representative.  Read More
• 9 Apr
  CDC and OSHA Update COVID-19 Guidance April 9, 2020

  The Centers for Disease Control issued this week interim guidance for implementing safety practices when critical infrastructure workers are exposed to a person suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19.  Read More
• 9 Apr
  EPA Announces April 16 Webinar on TSCA Risk Analysis Fees April 9, 2020

  EPA will be hosting a webinar on April 16 from 1:00-2:00 pm EDT to clarify recent changes made to the list of stakeholders responsible for covering the $1.35 million fees for each risk analysis, including formaldehyde.  Read More
• 9 Apr
  U.S. Cabinet Sales Increase in February April 9, 2020

  U.S. kitchen and bath cabinet sales in February were 9.2% higher than the same month in 2019, and year-to-date totals grew 7% from the year-ago period, according to the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association's monthly Trend of Business member survey.  Read More
• 9 Apr
  Canadian Building Permits Decrease in February April 9, 2020

  Canadian building permits in February fell 7.3% from January to $8.6 billion but were up 6.7% from the year-ago period.  Read More
• 9 Apr
  Canadian Housing Starts Fall in March April 9, 2020

  The standalone monthly seasonally adjusted annual rate of Canadian housing starts in March was 7.3% lower than the prior month at 195,174 units. Read More
• 6 Jun
  TSCA Title VI Hits Milestone Date June 6, 2018

  As of Friday, June 1, manufacturers around the world are now required to import and sell in the U.S. only CARB or TSCA Title VI third-party certified composite wood panels or finished products made with certified panels. Read More