Aug 01, 2006. /Lesprom Network/. Indonesia’s imports of US hardwood products rose 10.6% to $41.5 million but declined 8% in volume in 2005, due to price increases, ITTO reported citing Asian Timber. This consolidated Indonesia as USA’s largest hardwood market in Southeast Asia, behind Vietnam which was catching up fast. As Indonesia’s veneer slicing capacity turned to imported logs, US imports met part of Indonesia’s demand for furniture export and flooring markets. Half of Indonesia’s imports were accounted for by logs, indicating Indonesia’s commitment to promote processing of logs, mainly for veneer and flooring. Lumber imports from the USA rose 2.3% in value and 4.6% in volume indicating a slight reduction in average prices. Red oak logs ($10.7 million) accounted for 25% of the total imports, up 26% from 2005. Imports of white oak lumber were relatively stable, up 1% in volume but down 5% in value reflecting slightly lower prices. Maple log imports climbed 36% to $3 million. Other significant gains were seen in imports of birch veneer (up 500%), walnut logs (up 167% to $1.5 million) and cherry logs, lumber and veneer (worth $4 million).