Exports of Southern pine lumber greatly increased in June, amounting to more than 77 million board feet (MMbf). This volume represents an increase of 18% above the same month last year, contributing to an overall year-to-date increase of 13% when compared with the first six months of 2016, as the Southern Forest Products Association says in the press release received by Lesprom Network.
Offshore shipments during June roughly break down as follows: 40.4 MMbf dressed, 15.8 MMbf rough, and 21.3 MMbf treated lumber.
“We’ve seen continued growth in exports to China, led by SFPA members,” notes Jerry Hingle, the Southern Pine Council’s international consultant. “There has also been strong growth in SP exports to new emerging markets in Southeast Asia and Central America. SPC began promotional efforts in those regions within the past couple of years and those efforts are paying off,” he adds.
Softwood lumber imports to the U.S. decreased in June, reaching 1.1 billion board feet (Bbf), a dip of 11% from the volume imported during June of 2016. Through the first six months of this year, softwood imports are up three percent when compared with the first six months of a year ago.
