Back

US softwood lumber imports keep on rising

Article by Martina Nöstler, translated by Susanne Höfler | 05.11.2015 - 16:46

+7% in the first three quarters

The USA imported 23.5 million m³ softwood lumber between January and September. In comparison to the same period last year, this equals an increase by 7%, as figures provided by the FAS indicate. The value amounted to US-$ 3.7 million ( 3.39 million; -5%). Canada could boost deliveries to the US by 6% to 22.4 million m³, and Sweden exported 200,000 m³ to "the land of endless opportunities" - this means an increase by 94%.

German exporters however suffered losses: In the first nine months they exported 16% less softwood lumber to the US (68,000 m³). With respect to percentage, exports from Austria, Russia, Lithuania and Finland showed exorbitant increases, though the actual corresponding export volumes are considerably little.

US Imports September 2015
Country	Imports in	million US-$	Change	Imports in	1000 m³	Change
	1-9/2014	1-9/2015	in %	1-9/2014	1-9/2015	in %
Canada	3,606	3,338	–7	21,190	22,446	6
Sweden	40	56	40	103	200	94
Germany	23	22	–4	81	68	–16
Czech Republic	4	3	–25	13	13	–
Austria	3	4	33	10	13	30
Russia	0.2	2	900	0.5	6	1,100
Lithuania	0.9	1.0	11	3	4	33
Finland	0.1	2	1,900	0.4	4	900
EU 28 total	75	104	39	226	370	64
Total imports	3,903	3,704	–5	21,876	23,483	7