Originally published by Fastmarkets Random Lengths
U.S. softwood lumber imports from offshore suppliers fell sharply in the fourth quarter, extending a second-half fade after a scorching start to 2021 had pushed volumes to multiyear highs.
North American exports offshore, meanwhile, gained measured ground later in the year after a lackluster first half. Unprecedented congestion and delays at ports worldwide slowed foreign trade for much of 2021.
Transportation challenges disrupt supply timelines
Scarce containers and vessel space, steep cost hikes, and extensive disruptions in ground transportation to ports challenged importers and exporters all year. It is unclear how extensively those issues affected shipping volumes.
U.S. imports declined to 479 million board feet in the fourth quarter, down 15% from the 565 mmbf shipped in the third quarter and lagging the same three quarters of 2020 by 26%. Imports peaked at 649 mmbf in the second quarter, which was a 14-year high (chart).
Despite the second-half fade, imports reached 2.2 bbf in 2021, up 10% from a year ago and marking a ninth consecutive annual increase. Last year’s volume was the highest since 2006.
Lumber prices are reaching record-breaking levels
In recent years, historically strong demand and unusually high returns in the U.S. fueled the surge in offshore imports. The Random Lengths Framing Lumber Composite Price has shattered records the last two years. The composite averaged $855 in 2021, up 51% from the previous record of $567 in 2020.
Imports from the 10 largest European suppliers reached 1.6 bbf last year, up 16% from 2020. A second-half decline was clearly evident in European exports to the U.S. Shipments through the third quarter were up 36% compared to the 2020 pace. Strong prices within Europe, soaring ocean freight costs, and extensive shipping delays contributed to the late-year slowdown in exports.
Plantation Pine imports slipped 5% last year to 497 mmbf. First- and second-half volumes were nearly identical. Shipments were most active in the second and third quarters.
Canadian offshore exports declined to 2.04 bbf last year, down 15% from 2020. A 42% plunge in shipments to China offset a 7% increase in exports to Japan and stronger hikes in smaller Pacific Rim markets such as Taiwan and the Philippines.
Southern pine exports active in second half of 2021
U.S. exports overseas climbed to 519 mmbf, up 11% from the previous year. Exports picked up in the second half. The Caribbean market, primarily for Southern Pine, was most active. Shipments to that region increased 19% to 198 mmbf. The gain offset declines in exports to most other destinations.
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