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International Scene |
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International Scene |
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On the international scene, dramatic developments are occurring in the forest products industry, with significant competition in global markets emerging from China and the Pacific Rim and from southern hemisphere countries. Traditional hardwood markets currently impacted by these developments include lumber, furniture, moulding and millwork, flooring, and cabinets. Shifts in productive capacity and market share appear driven by the globalization movement and by increasing availability of tropical hardwoods. Though not yet a factor in global hardwood sawtimber markets, the near- term availability of large volumes of plantation grown wood could strengthen the hand of off-shore competitors. In any event, a continuation of recent trends could severely impact the North American hardwood lumber industry and manufacturers of value-added hardwood products.
The conditions and trends in North American hardwood forests and forest resources in the 21st century are examined, including present conditions and trends in forestland area and forest inventory by species, state and province; growth-harvest relationships; trends in forest management; forest health; wood quality; wood consumption and utilization trends; wood availability; and environmental concerns related to management and use of hardwood resources. Commentary is also provided regarding needed data, information, and research.
It is important to note that preparation of this report did not original research of any kind. Rather, research findings and survey data from a variety of sources were reviewed, assessed, and summarized. While much of the data cited herein is from government sources, reflecting the reality that a large portion of hardwood-related research is conducted by various government agencies, this report is based on a comprehensive review of information appearing in scientific journals, reports, and as reported in formal presentations found on the worldwide web and elsewhere. Applicable data was also drawn from articles appearing in the popular media. Data for the United States is reported by nation, region and by state, with regions as defined by the U.S. Forest Service in various national reports. Information for Canada and for Mexico is reported nationally and by province and state, respectively.
