US imports of softwood lumber from overseas reached a record 2.5 billion board feet in 2004, according to industry newsletter Random Lengths.
Off-shore imports were up 33% on the previous year, re-establishing a growth trend which had briefly dipped in 2003.
Strong US demand and prices fuelled the increase despite the weak dollar which made exchange rates unfavourable to overseas shippers.
Total US softwood lumber imports (including Canada) in 2004 were 23.3 billion board feet, up 10% on 2003. Canadian imports totalled 20.8 billion board feet, up 8% on the previous year.
European shipments grew by 52% to 1.4 billion board feet, with Germany the biggest exporter at 640 million board feet. Imports from Brazil climbed 16% to 459 million board feet, while Chilean shipments increased by 37% to 372 million board feet.
Meanwhile, US exports continued their downward trend, falling 2% to 656 million board feet.