Your overseas staff came from Japan, Mexico, China, U.K. and Spain. The five day-long meetings allowed American Softwoods staff to understand their different markets as well as U. S. market changes. The staff also had a chance to visit local  member companies to increase their product knowledge.

American Softwoods and the American Forest and Paper Association hosted a reception for US members, companies and international staff. During the reception, each international office staff had made presentation about their country and American softwood lumber opportunities.  They also answered questions from the member company representatives. The reception was well attended by both local and out of town attendees.

In the first six months of 2007, US softwood lumber exports increased 15% over 2007 and reached $375 million.  

Exports to the Caribbean decreased (18%) in the first six month of 2007. According to FAS, The Dominican Republic's total market size is still about $50 million and the United States holds a 65% market share.

U.K., Spain, and Italy were leading European destinations for U.S softwood lumber imports in 2007.  Italy imported over $5 million in rough Douglas Fir (2") while the Spanish market preferred Southern Yellow Pine with an $13 million value in 2007. U. K. imported total of $26 million with % 300 increases comparing the first six months of the 2006. S-P-F mix was the majority of the imports.

During 2007, Southeast Asia was a growing market for American softwoods. The American softwood lumber increased 45% and reached $28 million. Indonesia imported $7 million, Taiwan $8 million, Vietnam $870,000 and the Philippines $19 million and became the biggest importer of the region.  The Philippines primarily imported Hem-Fir in 2007.

Japan had already imported $35 million of US softwood lumber.  The increasing housing market and the depreciated dollar value played am important role in this more than 100% increase. The Japanese market mostly imported Douglas Fir.  

Exports to China increased 65% to $19 million of American softwood lumber in the first 6 month of 2007.  Southern Yellow Pine, Hemlock and Cedar were the leading imported species.

Builders Carpentry and Softwood Moldings Exports
U.S. softwood moldings and builders carpentry exports totaled $211 million in 2007.  Canada imported $17 million in softwood moldings, $22 million in window frames, $34 million in door frames and became the biggest importer of U.S. softwoods in 2007.  Mexico followed Canada by $2 million in moldings over $1 million in softwoods flooring imports.