Shipments of American hardwood sawn lumber to South-east Asia in 2001 were down 4% in value on the previous year, according to the US Department of Commerce.
And it says American hardwood veneer imports fell 27%, reflecting the difficulties of the furniture and panel markets last year.
However, there were some bright spots. Asian markets discovered some species which are in demand when re-exported as added value products. For example, American red alder was up 66% in Indonesia, 60% in Malaysia, 30% in Thailand and a staggering 463% from a small base in Vietnam.
American ash lumber also advanced in the Philippines, up by 77%. Maple and cherry lumber both followed the general trend with no notable changes, although maple was up 12% in Indonesia.
American black walnut was also in demand, in line with its revival worldwide.
American hardwood log exports fell slightly, although several species rose significantly in Vietnam and Malaysia.
