2023 Southern Pine exports of treated and untreated lumber ended 2023 up 3% over 2022 with 31.94 Mbf of exports despite being down 21.3% in December over November, according to December data from the USDA’s Foreign Agriculture Services Global Agricultural Trade System. December’s total was the lowest since the 30.95 Mbf exports in May 2020.
Total softwood imports, meanwhile, were down 1.9% over the month and 2.5% over the year.
Our international consultants weighed in with the following thoughts on 2023 Southern Pine exports. Here are their key takeaways
- Mexico retained its status as the largest export market (by volume) of Southern Pine and treated lumber for the 10th month. Mexico ended 9% ahead of 2022 and imported 122.2 Mbf of Southern Pine so far this year.
- The Dominican Republic remains the No. 2 importer of Southern Pine, running 3% ahead over 2022 with77.5 Mbf. Jamacia follows as the No. 3 importer, up 30% with 55 Mbf.
- Exports to China cooled almost every month in 2023, though exports of Southern Pine and treated lumber were still up 106% over 2022.
- India’s total of SYP imports ended up 312% on 31.2 Mbf of Southern Pine and treated lumber.
As expected, shipments to the Caribbean, which are bolstered by SFPA’s promotional efforts, leveled off after a post-COVID peak. Exports to Kuwait are likely transshipped elsewhere in the Middle East, with Saudi Arabia, driven by a building boom, being the likely destination.
Exports to Oceania, meanwhile, are considered Western U.S. species being misclassified. Overall, the figures look excellent.
Countries that imported more than 1 Mbf of Southern Pine and treated lumber in 2023 include and beat 2022 volume include:
| Country | 2023 Total (Mbf) | 2022 Total (Mbf) | Year-Over-Year Change |
| Belize | 9,681 | 5,352 | 81% |
| Egypt | 8,255 | 5,064 | 63% |
| Netherlands Antilles | 7,256 | 6,956 | 4% |
| Honduras | 4,799 | 1,146 | 319% |
| Taiwan | 4,173 | 3,953 | 6% |
| Micronesia | 2,997 | 2,927 | 2% |
| Kuwait | 1,871 | 179 | 943% |
| Marshall Islands | 1,446 | 1,400 | 3% |
| Australia | 1,221 | 1,081 | 13% |
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Countries that imported more than 1 Mbf of Southern Pine and treated lumber in 2023 include but lagged 2022 volume include:
| Country | 2023 Total (Mbf) | 2022 Total (Mbf) | Year-Over-Year Change |
| Leeward-Windward Islands | 31,575 | 33,860 | -7% |
| Canada | 21,112 | 36,952 | -43% |
| Bahamas | 20,772 | 25,467 | -18% |
| Trinidad and Tobago | 9,694 | 9,938 | -2% |
| Barbados | 9,123 | 12,094 | -25% |
| Haiti | 8,318 | 11,427 | -27% |
| Pakistan | 7,440 | 11,574 | -36% |
| Netherlands | 5,979 | 10,897 | -45% |
| Philippines | 5,381 | 13,664 | -61% |
| Colombia | 5,235 | 5,784 | -9% |
| Cayman Islands | 4,471 | 5,856 | -24% |
| Turks and Caicos Islands | 2,630 | 4,105 | -36% |
| United Kingdom | 1,750 | 1,907 | -8% |
| French Pacific Islands | 1,570 | 6,295 | -75% |
| Italy | 1,514 | 3,687 | -59% |
| Vietnam | 1,362 | 4,417 | -69% |
| Panama | 1,147 | 1,223 | -6% |
SFPA members: Don’t forget to check out the members-only site to get a full breakdown on every country’s import and export numbers for Southern Pine and treated lumber!
*Note: data are expressed in Million Board Feet (Mbf) unless otherwise indicated.