WASHINGTON (News release) - American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) President and CEO Heidi Brock released the following statement following the final passage of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) delay:

"Delaying the application of EUDR is an important step on the road to the European Union finally working to address the glaring compliance and simplification problems within this regulation. While the delay provides some temporary relief to our members, the regulation remains a technical and non-tariff barrier to trade for U.S. forest products companies - risking over $3.5 billion in annual trade with the EU.

"We encourage the EU to take advantage of the opportunity to further simplify the regulation through a constructive review process. That process must proportionally address the negligible global deforestation risk posed by the U.S. forest products industry.

"AF&PA appreciates U.S. trade leadership in holding the EU accountable to their August joint trade statement. We are hopeful for continued progress that restores a fair and reciprocal trading relationship with the EU."