Modest expansion ahead for U.S. lumber markets

f T.S LUMBER DEMAND strengthened significantly in late L) 2ol2learly 2013 as home construction showed doubledigit growth.

While home building slowed late in the year, residential repair and remodeling-the largest lumber market by volume-picked up the slack. R&R construction spending finished the year up an estimated 9vo compafed to 2012. Higher interest rates coupled with continued slow economic growth is expected to result in modest but sustainable gains in 2014.

Responding to increased demand, 2013 U.S. lumber production increased an estimated 6Vo to 39.32 billion bd. ft., compared to 36.54 billion bd. ft. in 2012, according to WWPA. Lumber production in the West is expected to climb to 13.34 billion bd. ft. for 2Ol3 and is projected to be

13.97 billion bd. ft. in 2014.

Lumber and log exports both saw gains. Lumber exports to the Pacific Rim should top 2.2 million cubic meters in2Ol3, with overall lumber exports finishing about 97o higher.

Log exports to China, predominantly Douglas fir and hemlock from the West Coast, are expected to top 6 million cubic meters in 2013-a 45Vo increase year-over-year. Exports to Japan are also up by double digits. Log exports to all countries are expected to top I 1.9 million cubic meters for the year, up 24Vo.ln 2Ol4,log and lumber exports should ease as domestic lumber prices rise and competition for logs increases.

WWPA Annual Meeting to Mark 5O Years of Service

Western Wood Products Association will celebrate 50 years of lumber industry service at the 2014 annual meeting March 2-4 in Portland, Or.

More than 200 industry professionals are expected to attend the three-day gathering, which will feature committee meetings, awards, receptions, lumber and housing forecasts, and events to commemorate WWPA's 50th anniversary.

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The annual meeting will kick off with the industry welcome reception March 2. WWPA president Kevin Binam will provide the association's lumber outlook through 2O16 at a forecast breakfast. WWPA committee meetings will tackle such industry issues as lumber design values, grade requirements, and phytosanitary regulations for lumber exports. The aftemoon features an industry forum on a range of industry issues that impact western lumber producers and their customers.

Among this year's guest presenters will be Brooks C. Mendell, Ph.D., Forisk Consulting, providing an assessment of U.S. timber supply constraints on producers and their influence on western lumber markets. The nation's housing market and consumer demand for repair and remodeling will be covered by economist Jonathan Smoke. The day will close with the chairman's reception, offering opportunities to network with other industry professionals.

The annual meeting is open to all industry professionals, including retailers, wholesalers and manufacturers. Visit www.wwpa.org for more details.