HS Code:
Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus) and red pine (Pinus resinosa) are two prominent softwood species native to North America, widely used in construction, furniture, and paper production due to their straight grain, durability, and ease of working. Eastern white pine is particularly valued for its fine texture and historical use in shipbuilding, while red pine is known for its strength and use in utility poles and structural timber. These species fall under the broader Harmonized System (HS) Code 4407, which covers 'Wood sawn or chipped lengthwise, sliced or peeled'. They are critical to the global timber trade, especially in North America, where they are harvested sustainably under strict forestry regulations.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately 12.5 million cubic meters
Data from 2022
Source
International Trade Centre (ITC) Trade Map and UN Comtrade Database
5.8 million cubic meters
46.4% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
4.2 million cubic meters
33.6% of total trade of total trade
Stable
1.1 million cubic meters
8.8% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
0.7 million cubic meters
5.6% of total trade of total trade
Stable
0.5 million cubic meters
4.0% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
Average Rate
5.2% ad valorem
Highest Rate
15% (applied by certain developing markets)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like USMCA and EU-Canada CETA)
Rising demand for sustainable timber
Increased preference for certified Eastern white pine and red pine from North America, boosting exports from Canada and the US.
2021-2023
Fluctuating construction industry demand
Global construction slowdowns in 2022 reduced demand temporarily, but recovery in 2023 is driving renewed interest in structural timber.
2022-2023
Shift towards alternative materials
Growing use of engineered wood products and composites is slightly reducing demand for raw pine timber in some markets.
2020-2023
A new bilateral agreement reduced tariffs on US pine exports to China, facilitating greater market access for Eastern white pine and red pine.
March 2023
Expected to increase US exports by 10-15% to China over the next two years.
Canada introduced stricter sustainability guidelines for pine harvesting to meet international environmental standards.
July 2022
Short-term reduction in supply due to compliance costs, but long-term gain in market trust and premium pricing.
The EU implemented tighter regulations under the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), requiring traceability for all timber imports.
December 2022
Potential delays for non-certified pine shipments, pushing exporters to adopt stricter certification processes.