Lumber imports slightly below 2023 levels

Article by Martina Nöstler (translated by Eva Guzely) | 09.01.2025 - 09:34

In the first eleven months of 2024, the US increased their softwood lumber imports from only three of the Top 10 supplying countries. Shipments from other countries saw partly marked decreases compared to the previous year.

From January to November 2024, the US imported 30.71 million m³ of softwood lumber, which corresponds to a year-on-year decrease of 2%. Increases recorded in imports from some countries could not compensate for decreases in shipments from other, though.

Imports from Canada, by far the most important trading partner, increased slightly by 1% to 26.11 million m³. Much bigger volumes of softwood lumber were also purchased from Chile (247,000 m³; +32%) and New Zealand (204,000 m³; +6%).

Meanwhile, softwood lumber imports from Germany (1.77 million m³; -20%), Sweden (842,000 m³; -11%), Brazil (404,000 m³; -9%) and Austria (347,000 m³; -5%) decreased substantially in the first eleven months of 2024.

As always, you can track the detailed development of US softwood lumber imports in our Datacube. You don’t have access yet? Click here to choose a subscription.