Prices of kiln-dried Douglas fir hirakaku, which is produced to specific dimensions and appearance requirements for the Japanese market, have surged during the summer, fuelled by strong demand. Douglas fir neda, used in floor joist applications, is also showing a similar trend.
The high prices are being attributed to limited supplies, as many US suppliers have abandoned Japan in recent years because of poor returns.
US softwood exports to Japan have declined from 2.47 billion board feet in 1993 to just 45 million board feet for the first six months of 2006. Hem-fir shipments have this year overtaken Douglas fir at the most shipped species.
An improving Japanese economy and increased housing starts have created the growth in demand.
