Insights
Insights
Notes on species, panel specifications, US and Asian import compliance, and hardwood logistics from Vladivostok.
2026-07-30
Lacey Act for hardwood importers: the paperwork you actually need
A 3-minute checklist of what US customs actually looks for when a container of Russian Far East hardwood clears at LA / Long Beach / Houston. What the PPQ 505 needs to say, what your broker will ask for, and what the exporter should provide.
2026-07-30
Mongolian oak vs American white oak: what's actually different?
Mongolian oak (Quercus mongolica) is often sold as "Russian white oak." It's not a marketing gimmick — the two species share appearance and workability but differ in density, grain and tannin. Here's what to check before you switch supply.
2026-07-30
TAMO ash — why Japanese cabinetmakers keep asking for it
"TAMO" is the Japanese trade name for Manchurian ash (Fraxinus mandshurica). Japanese cabinet manufacturers pay a premium for it because of the grain figure, the density, and the way it takes stain. Here's what makes TAMO ash different from European or American ash.
2026-07-28
Yachidamo — Russian Far East hardwood, direct to your dock
A quick introduction to Yachidamo, our species, our export process and what US and international buyers can expect.