Southern Pine Exports Down 16% Year-Over-Year in October

On December 23, the Southern Pine Forest Products Association (SPFA) reported that, according to data from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Foreign Agricultural Service’s Global Agricultural Trade System, Southern pine exports—both treated and untreated—were 13% higher year-to-date through October compared to the same period in 2023.

Southern pine lumber exports in October were down 16% year-over-year. Meanwhile, softwood imports decreased 6.2% from September to 1.2 MBF but increased 6.2% compared to October 2023.

In terms of dollar value, exports were up 7% year-to-date, totaling $183 million, compared to the same period in 2023. Mexico led the way with $51.9 million, followed by the Dominican Republic at $43.1 million and India at $13.9 million.

Meanwhile, treated lumber exports were down 2% year-to-date compared to 2023, totaling $113 million. The Leeward-Windward Islands led with $19.2 million, followed by Jamaica with $18 million and the Dominican Republic at $9 million.

The SFPA’s international consultants shared the following insights regarding Southern pine exports year-to-date in October:

• Mexico remains the largest export market (by volume) for Southern pine and treated lumber, with imports up 27% year-to-date compared to 2023, totaling 133.5 MBF.
• The Dominican Republic, the second-largest importer of Southern pine, is running 20% ahead of the same period last year, with 81.2 MBF.
• India’s total imports of Southern pine continue to rise, running 5% ahead of 2023 at 30.1 MBF, primarily driven by rough Southern pine.
• Exports to China continue to plummet, down 51% year-to-date compared to 2023, with 12.2 MBF of Southern pine lumber imports.