Jun 05, 2007. /Lesprom Network/. US softwood lumber export markets got off to great start in 2007, Softwood Export Council informed. The first quarter of 2007 shows that total export softwood lumber shipments reached $168.8 million, 28% greater than the $131.7 million shipped in 2006. Leading counties include China up 112% to $8.1 million, the Philippines up 55% to $8.1 million, Japan up 149% to $16.5 million, Mexico up 33.5% at $29.4 million and the European Union up 58% to $30.4 million. Canada continues to be the number 1 export destination for US softwoods at $33.9 million, up 13%. The biggest mover market was the United Kingdom, which was up 611% at $16.5 million. $13.4 million of that was SPF aimed at the framing market. Exports by the major species to other markets include the Philippines which were all hem-fir and douglas fir, Mexico was ponderosa pine, spruce, treated, and finger jointed lumber, Japan was all douglas fir, China continues taking incense, and western red cedar, hemlock and southern pine. The only major region to slide was the Caribbean which was down 15.6% to $27.8 million. The weak US domestic softwood market and depressed prices, the weak US dollar against the Euro, and economic strength in Europe have combined to form a “perfect rainbow” for US softwood producers who can manufacture softwood lumber products which meet international customer specifications including some metric sizes.