China syndrome: West Coast lumber exports plummet
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Despite a 2nd quarter jump, West Coast lumber and log exports were down in the 3rd quarter and are down overall in comparison to 2014 numbers. Lumber and log exports were down in value 30% and 28% respectively from 2014 and down 19% and 12% from the 2nd quarter.

The decrease in demand for logs and lumber in Asia could mean lower prices for U.S. secondary wood products manufacturers.

U.S. Forest Service

The increase in the 2nd quarter numbers was seen as significant at the time because of factors such as the West Coast port strikes, which constrained exports across a number of industries including wood component manufacturers and furnituremakers.

NEWS

West Coast Ports Slowdown Hurting Wood Manufacturers
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Port strikes during the first quarter of 2015 reduced overall log and lumber exports from the West Coast, which makes the increases we saw in the second quarter significant,” said Xiaoping Zhou, a research economist with the station who conducted the analysis and compiled the data. “Although these numbers represent a within-year increase in exports, the West Coast’s 2015 log and lumber exports to date have decreased significantly compared to 2014 levels, mainly due to reduced demand from China.”

Volume of West Coast Log and Lumber Exports, 2015Q3

 

Current Quarter (2015Q3)

Change Compared to Last Quarter (2015Q2)

Change Compared to Last Year (2014Q3)

Logs

307 MMBF*

-7%

-24%

Lumber

151 MMBF*

-20%

-31%

* Million board feet                                                                       

 

Value of West Coast Log and Lumber Exports, 2015Q3

 

Current Quarter (2015Q3)

Change Compared to Last Quarter (2015Q2)

Change Compared to Last Year (2014Q3)

Logs

$213 million

-12%

-28%

Lumber

$112 million

-19%

-30%

U.S. Forest Service

China is one of the leading importers of wood and wood products from the West Coast.

U.S. Forest Service

 

Located in Portland, OR, Pacific Northwest Research Station generates and communicates scientific knowledge about natural resources and the environment. The station has 11 laboratories and centers located in Alaska, Washington, and Oregon and about 300 employees.

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About the author
Michaelle Bradford | Editor

Michaelle Bradford, CCI Media, is Editor of Closets & Organized Storage magazine and Woodworking Network editor. She has more than 20 years of experience covering the woodworking and design industry, including visits to custom cabinet shops, closet firms and design studios throughout North America. As Editor of Closets & Organized Storage magazine under the Woodworking Network brand, Michaelle’s responsibilities include writing, editing, and coordinating editorial content as well as managing annual design competitions like the Top Shelf Design Awards. She is also a contributor to FDMC and other Woodworking Network online and print media owned by CCI Media.