US timber exports experienced mixed fortunes in the first half of 2009, as erratic demand from several Asian countries impacted on volume levels.
Depite a moderate rebound late in 2008, export volumes fell to 198 million bd ft through June, down 6% compared with a year ago, according to figures in Randon Lengths.
Previously buoyant markets cooled, while other destinations gained momentum. Shipments to the Philippines, for example, nearly doubled in the first six months to 18 million bd ft, compared with a 23% decline in 2008 over 2007.
Japan was one of the few consistent Asian markets for US suppliers. Shipments reached 51 million bd ft in the first half, up 32% compared with the year-ago levels.
However, exports to South Korea fell 70% and shipments to Indonesia fell 23% after a 45% rise in 2008. Declines were especially steep in the Dominican Republic and Jamaica.
Meanwhile, imports from overseas fell to their lowest level since the first six months of 1998.The slump in the US market was blamed for the downturn, combined with a weaker US dollar.
