INDUSTRY NEWS UPDATE


The Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association establishes and promotes standards for the kitchen cabinet industry; defends and advocates in support of the industry; and arms our members with valuable tools necessary to promote and grow their businesses. We need to be on top of what’s happening in the cabinet industry so we can serve and advocate for our members every day. Check out what’s been happening since our last update:

California Proposition 65 – New Regs Now in Effect

Just last week new rules for California Proposition 65 safe harbor warnings went into effect. If your company produces or sells into the state of California you must be in compliance NOW. See below for some resources on the warning requirements.


Photo courtesy of www.amiadini.com
Two-Toned Kitchens are all the rage

 The latest trend in kitchen design is focused on cabinets and using them to create unique styles by matching different cabinet finishes together. A recent article in Forbes highlights new trends for kitchens, including two-toned cabinets. Two-toned kitchens are one of the top trends for 2018 kitchen design due to its versatility to fit into any style, whether contemporary or traditional, and it’s knack for adding depth and flair to any kitchen.

Learn more about the latest kitchen design trends here.


China Announces Supplemental Tariffs after US 301 Tariffs

China has threatened retaliatory tariffs that could reach 25% on U.S. hardwood lumber and veneer exports, and 20% on hardwood logs. Mike Snow of the American Hardwood Export Council notes that the U.S. shipped $1.6 billion in hardwood lumber, $800 million in hardwood logs, and $260 million in veneer to China last year. The Chinese announced that the tariffs will be implemented "immediately" if the U.S. implements the second round of proposed tariffs on $200 billion on Chinese goods, scheduled by the Trump administration to take effect October 1.

 Read more here.

EPA Retains Obama-Era Ozone NAAQS

 A few weeks ago the EPA announced it had decided against reconsidering the Obama-era decision to tighten the ozone national ambient air quality standard (NAAQS) from the 2008 limit of 75 parts per billion (ppb) down to 70 ppb, opting instead to consider the issue as part of an expedited review of the 2015 standard that the agency is slated to conclude in October 2020.

 The National Association of Manufacturers expressed disappointment in this decision in a recent blog post stating that the "EPA made procedural and technical errors in formulating the rule, and now manufacturers must grapple with them during implementation of the 2015 ozone NAAQS."

 Click here to read more.


President Trump Signs Perkins CTE Act into Law

Earlier this week manufacturers scored a major victory when President Trump signed the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education (CTE) Act into law. This bill aligns career and technical education with the existing workforce system, promotes work-based learning and strengthens the use of industry-recognized credentials to empower a new generation of creators with well-paying jobs in modern manufacturing.

 Click here to read more about this effort.

Photo courtesy of National Association of Manufacturers
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KCMA is always on the lookout to bring you the latest news and advocate for you in the industry. If you would like to learn more about being a member of KCMA and obtaining access to exclusive member news, insights, research and webinars visit our website.

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