Almost half the lumber shipped during the first nine months of 2006 was white oak, up 7% in volume on the same period the previous year and 5% in value at US$30m.
The increase was part of a general rise in sawn hardwood lumber imports from the US, which rose 6.1% by volume and 4.6% by value to US$62m.
Ash was the second most popular species at US$7m, followed by tulipwood, which increased 15% to US$5.3m. Other notable changes in shipments were maple, up 20% in value and walnut up 25%. The value of shipments of western red alder increased 30%, but from a very small base.
AHEC said the total value of all American hardwood products – logs, lumber, veneer and flooring – was US$82.3m, which is expected on a full-year basis to reach US$110m for 2006.
