Aug 22, 2014. /Lesprom Network/. Surge in exports of Southern Pine lumber continues. USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service reported exports of Southern Pine to be approximately 41.2 million board feet (MMbf) during June 2014. This volume represents an increase of just 2% above the same month last year. But collectively, the first half of this year has recorded a hefty increase of 22% when compared with the first six months of 2013. Offshore shipments during June roughly break down as follows: 19.9 MMbf dressed, 8.8 MMbf rough, and 12.5 MMbf treated lumber, as the Southern Forest Products Association said in the press release received by Lesprom Network.

Softwood lumber imports to the U.S. during June were just over 1.12 billion board feet (Bbf), up 23% from the volume imported during June of 2013. Year-to-date softwood imports are up 9% when compared with last year. Canada shipped the great majority into the U.S. during June.

SFPA is recognized as one of the foremost trade organizations in the forest products industry and represents Southern Pine lumber manufacturers from Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas. SFPA’s members produce about 45% of the Southern Pine lumber in the United States.