Europe

With significant competition from the European Union, as well as Asia and South America, the European market for U.S softwoods has softened significantly in recent years. As recently as 2007, the UK, Italy, Spain, France, Germany, Belgium and The Netherlands combined to account for more than 82.7 mmbf of exported softwood lumber, but by 2010 those countries' combined imports amounted to just over 38 mmbf.

While the quantities are shrinking, the upside is that these markets, for the most part, desire higher value products, such as clear VG fir, used primarily in high-end window and door manufacturing, along with interior moulding and millwork.

SEC has consultants stationed in the UK and Spain to help members navigate market opportunities.