U.S. Hardwood Market Remains Strong

Despite a slow housing market, the U.S. hardwood-grade lumber market has remained stable in the past five years, according to a recent TrendTracker report published for the Hardwood Manufacturers Association (HMA). The report shows total hardwood usage for 2006 to be the same as 2002. Grade lumber also remained the same, consuming 43 percent of total hardwood usage.

Domestic furniture demands have decreased in recent years, by 55 percent over the past decade, to be exact. But the kitchen and bath cabinets market has managed to grow by 61 percent over the same period. Flooring demand also has grown by 56 percent and mouldings, dimensional and millwork products have increased by 38 percent.

The hardwood mouldings, dimensional and millwork segments face stiff competition with imports from China, Canada and Brazil. But even with significant amounts being supplied by these countries and a slow U.S. housing market, domestic hardwoods supply 38 percent more than a decade ago.

HMA expects the green movement to improve domestic hardwood usage in the future. The association says the United States grows more timber than is cut each year and eliminating overseas shipments cuts down on the industry’s total carbon footprint, making domestic hardwoods a natural fit.

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