Strong lumber demand

By H. A. Roberts President Western Wood Products Association

statistics. The West's share of the American lumber market in 1987, 40.50/0, is the highest since 1979.

Lumber demand is expected to ease in 1988, but that should be no cause for alarm. Consumption should still total 48.3 billion feet of lumber next year, offonly 2.50/o from this year's levels but stilt the second highest annual volume ever.

Except for offshore markets, the

Story at a Glance

Lumber consumption in '88 off 2o/" trom this year. repair & remodeling will continue strong more foreign business. West's share of U.S. lumber market highest since '79.

declines in lumber use should be across the board. Housing starts are anticipated to be 1.7 million units. down 3Vo from this year. The amount of lumber used in residential construction should dip to 17.7 billion feet, down 3olo from this year. Meanwhile, repair and remodeling should -remain strong, totaling l5.l billion feet in 1988. -

The volume of Canadian lumber used in the U.S. peaked in 1985 at a record 14.6 billion feet. Since then. Canadian mills have shipped at leasi 14 billion feet to the U.S.. with 1987 and 1988 being no different. This year, 14.3 billion feet of lumber should cross the border into the U.S. and next year, an estimated 14 bitlion feet should be imported from Canada.

The export tax on Canadian lumber, in our opinion, has not been a factor in the import totals. We