WASHINGTON (News release) - The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) President and CEO Heidi Brock, representing U.S. pulp, paper, and paper-based packaging manufacturers, issued the following statement:

"AF&PA appreciates the U.S. government's engagement in securing an initial EU trade deal that will advance reciprocal, fair and balanced trade between our two economies. As non-tariff trade barrier negotiations continue - and to further support U.S. forest product producers' ability to continue shipping over $3.5 billion in essential products to the EU - we urge the Administration to secure a U.S. exemption from the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).

"As recognized by USTR's April National Trade Estimate Report, EUDR in its current form fails to recognize the realities of robust sustainable forest management (SFM) systems in the United States. Although the United States is not a source of global deforestation concerns, it is subject to many of the same burdensome obligations as countries with high deforestation risks. EUDR's key compliance barrier, strict geolocation traceability, constitutes a significant non-tariff trade barrier, especially given the nature of U.S. pulp & paper supply chains.

"We look forward to working with the Administration on continuing efforts to advance U.S. forest products interests, and to support the millions of American jobs and small and medium sized businesses that depend on trade between our two economies."