Timber imports play a big part in the US manufacturing sector, the International Wood Products Association (IWPA) has said.
IWPA representatives, including president Stuart Clarke and executive vice-president Brent McClendon, told a meeting of the International Trade Commission (ITC) that the US$23bn imported wood products industry allows manufacturers to meet consumer demand, as well as supporting “thousands of US jobs”.
Messrs Clarke and McClendon, along with Don Thompson of Thompson Mahogany, gave their view on the imported wood products market at a public hearing held as part of the ITC’s investigation into the competitiveness of the US flooring and hardwood plywood industries.
“The demand for high quality, affordable imported woods, many of which are species that just don’t grow in the US, helps support US manufacturing, distribution and retailing, not to mention the consumer,” said Mr McClendon.
“The benefits are seen in industries as diverse as hardwood plywood, kitchen cabinets, flooring, recreational vehicles and manufactured housing.”
Mr McClendon added that the import industry played an “active role” in supporting communities in developing countries that “rely on forests for their livelihood”.
