World of Wood 2002 Addresses the Imported Softwood Sector

Furniture World Magazine

Softwood imports in the United States have grown significantly over the last few years. To better address some reasons for those increases, the International Wood Products Association presented a special session, "Changes & Trends: The Softwood Market and its Impact on the Industry" during the group's recent annual convention, World of Wood, in Indian Wells, California "This session was designed to help companies assess the changes in the market and their impact on the imported wood products industry (hardwood and softwood sectors)," stated Wendy Baer, IWPA Executive Vice President. Donald Schramm, Retired Manager of International Operations, Georgia-Pacific Corporation, presented an overview of the imported wood products industry in the United States, and addressed the growth of softwood imports in three areas: Softwood plywood, softwood lumber and softwood moldings by major exporting countries. Some causes for the increase in softwood imports in the United States that he noted are: environmentalists, spotted owl issues, national forests locked-up, decrease of ponderosa pine production, strong U.S. economy and housing market, and low log and production costs in the Southern hemisphere (plantation pine). Schramm also examined trends for hardwood plywood, hardwood lumber and hardwood molding imports by major exporting countries, and the impact that the softwood imports has on those products. Following the general overview, Schramm moderated a panel discussion from major softwood exporting regions. Baer commented that, "We were especially pleased to bring the participation of softwood producing regions from Austria, Brazil, Canada and Chile. Their participation supplemented Mr. Schramm's report by providing information on export market trends, product availability, and the expected future growth trends from those regions." Participants in the panel discussion were: Hans-Michael Offner, Johann Offner Holzindustrie, President of the Austrian Sawmilling Industries, Perspective on Austrian Softwood Exports & Trends; Isac Zugman, Past President, Brazilian Association of Mechanically Processed Timber, Perspective on Brazilian Softwood Exports & Trends; Robert Rivard, President & Executive Director, Canadian Lumbermen's Association, Perspective on Canadian Softwood Exports & Trends; Ramon del Piño Vivanco, CMPC Maderas, Perspective on Chile Softwood Exports & Trends IWPA's Annual Convention, known as World of Wood, brings together the largest international gathering of U.S. importers, suppliers, manufacturers and service providers. Over 250 delegates and guests participated in World of Wood 2002, April 17-19, in Indian Wells, California. For more information, please contact the International Wood Products Association (IWPA) at 703.820.6696. The International Wood Products is the only group in the United States organized to represent the interests of companies active in the import of wood and wood products. Membership also includes companies with interests allied to the trade (manufacturers, sales representatives, steamship lines, customs brokers, port authorities and others) and overseas producers and exporters of wood products to the U.S., as well as the major organizations to which these producers belong. IWPA - 4214 King Street West - Alexandria, VA 22302 USA 703-820-6696 fax: 703-820-8550 info@iwpawood.org www.iwpawood.org