The trade conflict with China has hit the United States hardwood sector hard and the coronavirus pandemic has made matters that much worse. The Phase I U.S.-China trade deal, inked in January, included potential benefits for United States hardwood lumber exports, but it’s unclear to what extent the domestic industry will benefit from the accord.  The U.S. hardwood lumber industry relies heavily on exports for its economic health. Over the last ten years, China has become the U.S. hardwood sector’s largest foreign customer, taking about 25% of all boards produced by ...