Demand for plywood and softwood lumber has soared in the Caribbean in the wake of Hurricane Ivan.
Industry newsletter Random Lengths said many US exporters have sold large amounts to several Caribbean countries, including Jamaica and Grenada, which experienced widespread damage in the storm.
However, southern pine sheathing has been in short supply from US producers following the aftermath of Hurricane Frances in Florida and anticipation of rising demand in the Gulf States, where Ivan was headed next.
