Softwood Lumber Imports by the U.S. Surged in 2020

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The most recent market update published by the Wood Resources International (WRI) indicates that the Global Sawlog Price Index (GSPI) registered 8% surge in Q4 2020, on the back of increased log demand across North America and European regions.

The Western US, Western Canada, Central Europe, and Estonia reported significant increase in sawlog prices. All regions, except Northwest Russia and Poland, out of the total 21 regions, witnessed jump in sawlog prices from Q3 to Q4 in 2020.

Meantime, European Sawlog Price Index (ESPI) rose by 8% in 4Q/20, with most significant price increases seen in Austria, Germany, Norway, Estonia, and the Czech Republic. The Global Hardwood Fiber Price Index (HFPI) was up 1.4% from the prior quarter. However, the Global Softwood Fiber Price Index remained practically unchanged from a year ago, WRI noted.

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The softwood lumber imports to the U.S. were up by 4.5% in 2020. On the other hand, importation to China and Japan were down by 11% and 13% respectively. The lumber imports to China reported dramatic decline in Q4 2020. Europe, Sweden, Finland, Germany, and Austria accounted for two-thirds of the Europe’s total export volume during the previous year.

The WRI report also noted that the global trade of pellets rose for the tenth consecutive year in 2020.