US hardwood lumber consumption and international trade from 1991 to 2014

Abstract. Apparent U.S. hardwood lumber consumption (developed from production, import and export data) was contrasted with estimated consumption based on employment data and lumber utilization coefficients.  The two methods of measuring domestic consumption provided similar results, but the use of employment data allowed for a comparison of appearance lumber versus industrial lumber use.  Consumption of both appearance and industrial lumber increased between 1991 and 2000 as imported lumber augmented domestic lumber production.  Exports increased during the 1990s but at a lower rate than domestic consumption.  Beginning in 2000, consumption of appearance lumber started to decrease because of globalization of the furniture industry followed by a decline in U.S. home construction.  The 2008 to 2009 recession was associated with declines for all segments of domestic consumption and a decline in exports.  Domestic consumption of appearance lumber continued at depressed levels until 2012.  Exports and industrial consumption increased after 2009.  In 2014, industrial users accounted for 51 percent of domestic lumber consumption and exports represented 37 percent of consumption of appearance lumber.