Washington Forest Futures: Competitive Position Study PDF
Strong growth in the U.S. housing sector has provided consistent
demand for forest products manufactured in Washington over
the past 15 years. However, over the same period, weak export
markets and a changing competitive environment have moderated
international demand for the state’s forest products
and have had an adverse impact on the international competitiveness
of Washington’s forest products industry. This trend
was exacerbated by the 1997 Asian financial crisis, with a
consequence that domestic markets are more important to Washington
producers than ever before. In addition, timber harvest restrictions
and regulatory constraints over the past 15 years increased
costs of producing timber and caused the closure of many production
facilities in Washington. High value log exports and plywood
production were most affected. The number and the production
value of value-added manufacturers have increased, and the
demand for commercial timber has shifted to one that is primarily
lumber-oriented. Commercial forest land profitability has changed
as restrictions and the composition of the forest sector have
shifted. In light of these factors, we will examine the competitive
position of Washington’s commercial forest lands and
ownerships.
Methodology
Data that will be used to conduct the study:
