By Karen E. Thuermer, AJOT Forest products are a critical commodity for both the U.S. economy and seaports across the country. The South Carolina Forestry Commission reports that forest products are the No. 1 export item moving through the Port of Charleston, where they account for over 30 percent of the goods moved through the port in 2010. Baltimore continues to experience double-digit increases in forest products, and the Port of Philadelphia experienced a 11 percent gain in forest products in 2011 with 432,270 metric tons handled. In this continuing recession, it’s a business that is doing well, although the business can be spotty. By the Numbers First Quarter 2012 statistics released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Foreign Ag Service (USDA FAS) shows a 5 percent increase in overall forest products imports compared to the same period last year (January-March). These were valued at $2.647 billion for that time period, compared to $2.528 billion for first quarter 2011. Hardwood lumber increased 8 percent, softwood lumber decreased only 3 percent, hardwood flooring increased 2 percent while assembled flooring panels increases 11 percent, softwood flooring decreased 6 percent, hardwood plywood up 8 percent, softwood plywood down 6 percent. Figures released by the U.S. Bureau of Census Trade Data, analyzed by USDA/FAS indicate that U.S. exports of forest products have also been increasing over recent years. It states that while recession and its lingering affects on the housing market have depressed the U.S. market for many species. the growing middle class in China, India and Middle East is filling that gap. Specifically, from October 2011 to April 2012, the value of U.S. exports of forest products going to South Asia increased 57.42 percent; to South America, 40.83 percent; and to Sub-Saharan Africa, a whopping 147.36 percent. Meanwhile, the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) sees little prospect of significant improvement in exports of American hardwoods to Europe during 2012. “This gloomy forecast is implied by slow or declining economic growth, recent strengthening in the dollar-euro exchange rate, continuing weak construction sector activity across much of Europe, and relatively high stocks of domestic hardwood products,” AHEC writes. AHEC reports that there may be incre¬mental increases in exports to some markets, notably in northern countries. It contends that this is “dependent on the success of continuing efforts to improve the competitiveness of American hardwoods relative to other wood and non-wood products, for example through innovation to expand use in external environments and con¬struction applications, and through concerted efforts to ensure recognition of the cradle-to-grave environmental benefits of American hardwood.” A closer look at economic data reflects the economic challenges facing certain markets in the world. For example, the value of U.S. forest products exports to China, South Korea, Italy, Russia, the Philippines, and Peru decreased between October 2011 and April 2012 by a respective 10.06; 21.58; 42.75; 38.86; 44.58; and 45.80 percentage points. By comparison, the value of exports to Vietnam, Belgium/Luxembourg, the United Arab Emirates, and India increased a respective 38.77, 99.40, 48.26, 50.11, and 81.86 percentage points. Figures show that in 2010, worldwide U.S. forest products exports totaled approximately $6.555 billion in 2010; $7.688 billion in 2011. For the period October 2010 to April 2011, the amount totaled $4.316 billion; $4.371 billion for October 2011 to April 2012, up 1.29 percent. Canada remains the leading country to U.S. exports of forest products. In 2010, about $2.119 billion was exported to Canada; $2.217 billion in 2011. For the period October 2010 to April 2011, that amount totaled $1.266 billion; over $1.328 billion for the same period one year later, up 4.92 percent. China ranks second for U.S. forest products exports with 2011 figures totaling around $1.868 billion compared to