Japan

Traditionally one of the heartiest international markets for U.S. softwood lumber, the Japanese market remains strong, with more than 160.5 mmbf imported in 2010, a 40% increase over 2009. Among other things, the Japanese market uses U.S. lumber to build houses (mostly post and beam framing). In 2010, for the second year running, there were more wood-framed houses built in Japan than in the U.S. This trend may continue, as analysts project 825,000 Japanese housing starts in 2011 and 900,000 in 2012, both higher levels than predictions for U.S starts.

Thanks to its demand for higher grades of U.S lumber, Japan remains one of the more lucrative export markets, with export values exceeding $136.1 million in 2010.

In the near term, the earthquake/tsunami disaster that struck Japan in 2011 means an additional 60,000 or more temporary shelters will be built and repairs to infrastructure and buildings are likely to fuel added demand for several years.

SEC maintains an office in Japan (http://www.americansoftwoods.jp/) to assist members in their export efforts.