Authors: ​Juha Niemela, Heikki Julin, Paul Smith, David Cohen ​Executive SummaryBackground and PurposeThis research is based on the following strategic issues facing the softwood lumber industry in Western North America: 1) the economic importance of the lumber industry for Western North America; 2) factors affecting the operating environment of the industry; 3) changes in customer needs; […]

Authors: ​Jeffrey L. Moffett and Thomas R. Waggener ​AbstractThis paper examines Japanese forest products production, consumption and net trade trends, and the factors that have influenced these trends, from 1879 to the present.  Prior to 1964, only industrial wood products are considered.  After 1964, sawnwood and plywood are included.  The reasons for the development of Japan’s […]

Authors: ​Guy C. Robertson and Thomas R. Waggener ​AbstractThis paper presents a reassessment of the productive potential of Japan’s forest resources along with a qualified refutation of several recent studies in which Japanese domestic timber production is predicted to rise in the medium to long term. After an examination of the biological dimensions of Japan’s forest […]

AbstractWood product markets are subject to substitution by lower cost non-wood materials. Alternative materials such as aluminum and vinyl are generally more fossil fuel intensive and have different environmental impacts from renewable wood resources. Increased attention to environmental impacts has drawn increased attention to substitution of wood by non-wood products. This study surveys the available […]