The US wood products market displayed a varied performance in November, with notable gains in some segments and declines in others. Key highlights include a strong rebound in sawn tropical hardwood imports, a surge in hardwood flooring, and a continued slide in hardwood moulding and veneer imports.

Sawn tropical hardwood imports rally

US imports of sawn tropical hardwood surged 25% in November, marking a recovery from a sluggish autumn market. The 17,038 cubic meters imported in November represented the second-highest monthly volume of 2024 and was 42% above the level recorded in November 2023. Imports from Brazil and Ghana more than doubled compared to October, while imports from Malaysia rose by 81%, reaching their strongest level of the year.

Despite the November increase, imports from Malaysia remain 38% below 2023 levels year-to-date. Overall, total US imports of sawn tropical hardwood are down 7% through November compared to the same period last year.

In Canada, sawn tropical hardwood imports dipped slightly, falling 2% from October levels. However, imports remain robust, up 38% compared to November 2023. Notably, imports from Congo (Brazzaville) soared by 635%, offsetting declines from Brazil, Cameroon, Bolivia, and Malaysia. Year-to-date, Canadian imports are 39% higher than in 2023.

Veneer imports plunge

US imports of tropical hardwood veneer dropped sharply in November, falling 22% to their lowest level since February. This represents a 41% decline compared to November 2023. Imports from Côte d’Ivoire plummeted 72%, reaching a two-year low, while imports from Ghana and China dropped by 86% and 96%, respectively.

A 52% increase in imports from Cameroon helped to mitigate the overall decline. Despite this, total imports of tropical hardwood veneer are down 18% year-to-date through November.

Hardwood flooring imports jump

US imports of hardwood flooring rose 24% in November, bolstered by significant gains from Malaysia and Brazil. November imports were 14% higher than the same month in 2023.

Imports from Brazil climbed 54% to their highest level since 2021, while imports from Malaysia more than doubled compared to October. Year-to-date, imports from Brazil are more than double their 2023 levels. Despite these gains, total hardwood flooring imports for the year are down 11% compared to 2023.

Assembled flooring panel imports remain strong

US imports of assembled flooring panels fell 5% in November but remained well ahead of last year’s pace. Imports for the month totaled $30.7 million, a 24% increase compared to November 2023.

While imports from China, Vietnam, and Thailand fell by approximately 20%, gains were recorded from Canada (up 7%) and Indonesia (up 11%). Total imports of assembled flooring panels are up 36% year-to-date.

Moulding imports continue to slide

US imports of hardwood moulding declined for the second consecutive month in November, dropping 5% from October. However, imports remain 34% higher than November 2023 levels.

A 9% decrease in imports from Canada, the leading supplier, contributed to the decline, while imports from Brazil remained subdued. Meanwhile, China and Malaysia recorded notable gains. Year-to-date, hardwood moulding imports are up 28% compared to 2023.

Wooden furniture imports falter

US imports of wooden furniture dropped 5% in November after two months of solid growth. Despite the decline, November imports reached $1.8 billion, a 6% increase compared to November 2023.

Imports from most major trading partners fell, with declines of 12% from both Canada and Mexico and an 18% drop from Indonesia. However, imports from China showed a slight increase. Year-to-date, wooden furniture imports are 7% higher than in 2023.

The mixed performance across various wood product categories highlights shifting dynamics in the market as businesses adapt to evolving supply and demand conditions.