Wood Exports Will Hit Record Values

U.S. wood exports are expected to reach a record $7.4 billion this year, with hardwood products leading the way.

During the first half of the year, wood product exports rose 11 percent from the first half of last year, totaling $3.8 billion, according to the Agriculture Department’s Foreign Agricultural Service.

All of the top five markets for these products - Japan, Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom and South Korea - increased their purchases this year.

Shipments to the top importer of U.S. wood products, Japan, were up 20 percent to nearly $1.8 billion, helped by a stronger yen and the Kobe earthquake.

Canada imported 21 percent more during the first half compared with the same months in 1994, reaching $664 million, while shipments to Germany rose 11 percent to $180 million and the United Kingdom bought 14 percent more, for a total of $125 million.

Total U.S. hardwood lumber exports rose 14 percent to $639 million in the first half.