Weak dollar boosts US offshore sales

28 October, 2009

A weakening US dollar has helped make higher value American wood products more competitive in overseas markets, according to industry newsletter Random Lengths.

US exports of boards, such as Ponderosa pine, are thought to be doing better than dimension lumber, with Random Lengths citing anecdotal evidence, including good sales of Eastern white pine industrial to Pakistan.

Lower grade boards have been the most consistent sellers in the offshore market.

One producer said 60-70% of his Ponderosa pine production was sold overseas.