In response to a preliminary investigation by the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) and Commerce Department (DOC), a group of American flooring distributors, retailers, importers, hardwood lumber exporters and engineered wood flooring end-users have formed the Alliance for Free Choice and Jobs in Flooring (AFCJF). The group is protesting an attempt by some U.S. manufacturers to drastically curtail imports of engineered hardwood flooring from China.

According to Jonathan Train, AFCJF president, the Alliance grew out of discussions during Surfaces/StonExpo 2011. He believes “the real issue in this case is control of the flooring supply chain.”

“Our primary goal is to see that no new duties are placed on imports. We plan to make an aggressive legal defense at the ITC final and we believe we have a strong chance to defeat the petition,” Train said. For more information, visit AFCJF at www.choiceandjobs.com.