7 Reasons Why Lumber Imports Are Crucial for the US Economy

Lumber is one of the most important commodities in the construction industry. It is used for building houses, furniture, cabinets, flooring, and many other products. However, the US domestic supply of lumber is not enough to meet the demand, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has boosted home improvement and renovation activities. That’s why lumber imports are crucial for the US economy. Here are seven reasons why:

1. Lumber imports reduce the trade deficit

The US has a chronic trade deficit, which means it imports more goods and services than it exports. This can have negative effects on the US dollar, interest rates, and economic growth. However, by importing lumber, the US can reduce its trade deficit and improve its balance of payments. According to the US Census Bureau, in 2020, the US imported $10.5 billion worth of lumber and exported $6.3 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of $4.2 billion in this sector.

2. Lumber imports create jobs and income

The US lumber industry employs about 500,000 people directly and indirectly, according to the American Forest and Paper Association. By importing lumber, the US can support these jobs and generate income for workers, businesses, and communities. Moreover, lumber imports can stimulate other sectors of the economy, such as manufacturing, retail, and transportation, creating more jobs and income along the way.

3. Lumber imports increase consumer choice and lower prices

The US market for lumber is diverse and competitive, with products coming from various sources, such as Canada, Brazil, Chile, Russia, and China. By importing lumber, the US can offer consumers more choices and lower prices. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average price of softwood lumber in the US fell by 9% from January to November 2021, partly due to increased imports.

4. Lumber imports enhance environmental sustainability

The US has strict environmental regulations and standards for logging and forest management, which ensure that forests are conserved and protected. However, not all countries have the same level of environmental protection. By importing lumber from countries that have similar or higher environmental standards than the US, such as Canada and Chile, the US can reduce its environmental impact and promote global forest stewardship.

5. Lumber imports foster international cooperation and trade relations

The US is a major player in the global lumber market, both as an importer and an exporter. By importing lumber, the US can strengthen its ties with its trading partners and allies, such as Canada and Mexico, which are part of the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Moreover, lumber imports can facilitate dialogue and cooperation on other issues of mutual interest, such as climate change, security, and human rights.

6. Lumber imports support innovation and research

The US is a leader in innovation and research in the lumber industry, developing new products, technologies, and processes that improve efficiency, quality, and performance. By importing lumber, the US can access new ideas and knowledge from other countries and regions that have different expertise and experience in this field. For example, some European countries have advanced techniques for producing cross-laminated timber (CLT), a high-strength engineered wood product that can be used for tall buildings.

7. Lumber imports increase resilience and flexibility

The US demand for lumber is subject to fluctuations due to various factors, such as weather conditions, natural disasters, consumer preferences, and economic cycles. By importing lumber, the US can adjust its supply according to its demand and avoid shortages or surpluses that could disrupt the market and cause price volatility. Furthermore, by diversifying its sources of lumber imports, the US can reduce its dependence on any single country or region and mitigate potential risks or uncertainties.

lumber imports are crucial for the US economy because they provide many benefits in terms of trade balance, job creation, consumer welfare, environmental sustainability, international cooperation, innovation, and resilience. Therefore, the US should continue to import lumber from reliable and responsible suppliers and maintain a fair and open market for this vital commodity.

Lumber Imports: A Global Perspective

Lumber is a vital commodity for many industries, such as construction, furniture, paper, and packaging. The global demand for lumber has been affected by various factors, such as economic growth, population, environmental policies, trade disputes, and supply shocks. In this article, we will examine some of the latest statistics and trends on lumber imports around the world, based on data from 2020 and 2021.

US Lumber Imports: A Mixed Picture

The United States is one of the largest consumers and importers of lumber in the world. According to the U.S. Census Bureau , the value of U.S. imports of lumber and wood in the rough increased to 580.19 million USD in June 2021, from 554.28 million USD in May 2021. However, compared to June 2020, the value of imports decreased by 7.4 percent.

The main source of U.S. lumber imports is Canada, which supplied 64 percent of the total volume in 2020 . However, due to various factors, such as transportation disruptions, domestic demand, supply constraints, and trade disputes, U.S. imports from Canada declined by 9.4 percent in value and 22 percent in volume in 2020 . As a result, the U.S. turned to other sources of lumber, especially from overseas.

The share of overseas lumber supply to the U.S. reached a record 15 percent of the total importation in the fourth quarter of 2020, predominantly driven by higher shipments from Germany, Sweden, and Romania . These countries increased their production and exports of lumber in response to the high prices and strong demand in the U.S. market .

China Lumber Imports: A Recovery Trend

China is another major consumer and importer of lumber in the world. According to the International Trade Centre , China imported 43.3 million cubic meters of lumber in 2020, making it the world’s largest importer by volume. However, compared to 2019, China’s lumber imports declined by 10 percent in value and 7 percent in volume, mainly due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economy and construction activity .

However, China’s lumber imports have shown a recovery trend since the second half of 2020, as the economy rebounded and the demand for housing and infrastructure increased . China’s lumber imports reached 12.8 million cubic meters in the first quarter of 2021, up by 37 percent year-on-year . The main sources of China’s lumber imports are Russia, Canada, New Zealand, Finland, and Sweden .

Lumber is a key commodity for many sectors and regions around the world. The global demand and supply of lumber have been influenced by various factors in recent years, such as economic conditions, population growth, environmental policies, trade disputes, and supply shocks. The statistics and trends on lumber imports reflect these dynamics and provide insights into the state and prospects of the global lumber industry.

References:

https://pennstatelaw.psu.edu/_file/aglaw/Lumber_Trade.pdf

https://web.archive.org/web/20150413071656/http://www.uslumbercoalition.org/doc/dispute_history.pdf

https://tradingeconomics.com/united-states/imports-of-lumber-wood-in-the-rough
https://blog.gitnux.com/lumber-industry-statistics/
https://www.trademap.org/Index.aspx

https://www.afandpa.org/our-industry/economic-impact

https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/ppi.pdf

https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/our-natural-resources/forests-forestry/sustainable-forest-management/canadas-forest-laws/17497

https://ustr.gov/trade-agreements/free-trade-agreements/united-states-mexico-canada-agreement

https://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2018/fpl_2018_gu000001.pdf