Buoyant US markets have led to a surge in offshore (non-Canadian) softwood lumber imports to America during the first half of 2004, according to industry newsletter Random Lengths.
Offshore imports totalled 1.13 billion board feet between January and June, a 31% jump compared with a year ago. A 7% rise in Canadian shipments contributed to a 9% overall gain in imports.
Shipments from nine key European countries were 51% higher, with the biggest individual exporter, Germany, recording an 89% rise. Imports from Austria more than doubled.
US offshore softwood exports were 6% down on a year ago, continuing their downward trend.
