Authors: ​Ivan Eastin and Craig Larsen Executive SummaryFor fifteen years between 1989 and 2004, US exports of softwood lumber were mired in decline. During this period, the volume of US softwood lumber exports plunged from approximately 8 million m 3 to less than 2 million m 3 . This trend was a reflection of the relatively […]

Authors: ​Indroneil Ganguly and Ivan Eastin ​Executive SummaryThe economic liberalization policies initiated in 1991 have led India along the path of increased economic growth and greater macroeconomic stability. Real GDP growth averaged 6% over the period 1997-2001, exceeded 8% from 2002-2005 and is projected to be about 9.2% in 2006. This rapid economic growth has been […]

Authors: ​Yuan Yuan and Ivan Eastin Executive SummaryForest certification is becoming an important issue within the forest products industry and also a new trend in forest products markets. Although forest certification was initiated to confront the severe deforestation of tropical rain forests, certified forests are unbalanced in geographical locations, with 60% of certified forests being located […]

Authors: ​Jeff Cao, Rose Braden, Ivan Eastin and Jeff Morrell Executive SummaryAs China’s economy has grown and personal income has risen over the past decade, spending on landscaping and public works projects has increased dramatically, and with it China’s demand for treated softwood lumber. New luxury residential developments commonly include traditional Chinese landscape design, which includes […]

Authors: ​Indroneil Ganguly and Ivan Eastin Executive SummaryThe United States residential construction industry, traditionally the largest end-use market for softwood lumber, has been undergoing a period of change for more than a decade. Builders’ acceptance of substitute materials and new innovations has increased, providing a unique challenge to softwood lumber producers. In such a situation, understanding […]