Challenges in 2023 for the hardwood lumber exports

US foreign trade of hardwood lumber has declined sharply in 2023. Exporters have struggled to compete on price against alternative species in most offshore markets this year. Meanwhile, fading demand in the US has impeded imports, traders say. Hardwood lumber exports to offshore destinations fell to 1.56 million cubic meters through August, down 21% from the first eight months of 2022. At the current pace, exports will decline to the lowest volume since 2011, according to statistics from the US Foreign Agricultural Service. Volatility appears to be the hardwood import trend in recent years Imports plunged ...