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 West Coast ports were closed two weekends in a row in a management lockout following months of negotiating over a union contract with the International Longshore and Warehouse Union. Furniture makers like Flexsteel say it is affecting business.

“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

* Million board feet                                                                       

Value of West Coast Log and Lumber Exports, 2015Q3

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.