Markets and market forces for lumber

Although lumber is ubiquitous on the international stage, not all lumber is similar or interchangeable in properties, applications, and in the production of potential downstream value-added or secondary wood products. As such, this chapter is divided into the three broadest generally recognized categories of lumber. Section 3.1 focuses on softwood lumber that is mainly used for building construction but also a multitude of other uses. Section 3.2 focuses on temperate hardwood lumber used in products ranging from industrial pallets to the finest custom furniture. Section 3.3 focuses on tropical hardwood lumber. Tropical lumber and other wood products have evolved on a different timeline than softwood or temperate hardwood products. Many tropical wood species are among the most valuable in the world while at the same time are often facing extinction with international efforts to protect them. The three parts of this chapter generally follow a uniform organization with an introduction, a discussion of global production and consumption, an analysis of international trade, and perspectives on influences on the sector and future markets.