Boise Cascade Company (BCC) pleaded guilty to a timber trafficking scheme and was fined $6.38 million. The plea was entered on April 27 2026, and the fine represents twice the gross profits BCC earned from the illegal wood. The company is also required to implement a compliance plan to prevent future violations.
The scheme involved Horizon Plywood, which illegally imported hardwood plywood from China and transshipped it through Malaysia to evade U.S. countervailing and anti‑dumping duties. BCC purchased and resold more than $30 million of this plywood between 2018 and 2021, and the value of the illegally imported product is estimated between $25 million and $65 million. The Department of Justice estimates that the scheme evaded over $42 million in duties.
The Department of Justice charged that BCC either knew about or was willfully blind to the illegal importation. The company’s compliance plan will require enhanced due‑diligence procedures, regular audits of suppliers, and training for procurement staff to prevent future violations.
BCC is a manufacturer and distributor of engineered wood products and plywood for the construction industry. In 2025 the company reported revenue of $6.4 billion and net income of $132.8 million, indicating a solid operating base that now faces a reputational and regulatory risk from the conviction.
The conviction underscores the broader enforcement effort by the Department of Justice against duty‑evasion schemes in the timber sector. BCC’s CEO Nate Jorgensen said the company remains well positioned to capture opportunities when housing starts recover, citing a resilient business model and strategic investments in distribution and engineered wood product manufacturing.
The fine and compliance requirements add a new layer of cost and operational scrutiny for BCC, potentially affecting future procurement decisions and supplier relationships. The company’s ability to maintain its market position will depend on how effectively it implements the mandated compliance plan and restores confidence among customers and regulators.
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