US offshore softwood lumber exports soared in 2011, according to industry newsletter Random Lengths.
Shipments offshore reached 984 million m³ up 48% on 2010 and the largest volume since 1997.
China replaced Canada as the US’s largest export market, with volumes rising 190% to the country.
The Hem-fir mix was 32% of Chinese volumes, while hemlock accounted for 19% and Douglas fir was at 17%.
India was the fastest growing market, with US exports increasing eight-fold, though with a low overall volume total.
