HS Code:
The category of fir (Abies spp.) and spruce (Picea spp.), other, under HS Code 4407.19 (often used for coniferous wood, sawn or chipped lengthwise, sliced or peeled), encompasses various products derived from these softwood species, excluding those specifically classified elsewhere. These woods are primarily used in construction, furniture making, pulp and paper production, and other industrial applications due to their strength, durability, and availability. Fir and spruce are widely harvested in temperate and boreal regions, making them significant in global forestry trade. This category includes lumber, timber, and other processed wood products not classified under more specific codes.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately $10.5 billion USD
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database, International Trade Centre (ITC)
$3.2 billion USD
30.5% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$1.8 billion USD
17.1% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$1.5 billion USD
14.3% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$1.2 billion USD
11.4% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
$900 million USD
8.6% of total trade of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
5.2% ad valorem
Highest Rate
15% (imposed by certain developing economies for protecting domestic industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like NAFTA/USMCA and EU trade pacts)
Rising demand for sustainable construction materials
Increased trade in certified fir and spruce products as green building standards gain traction globally
2021-2023
Impact of geopolitical tensions
Reduced exports from Russia due to sanctions and trade restrictions, leading to supply shifts toward North American and Scandinavian producers
2022-2023
Growth in pulp and paper industry
Higher demand for spruce wood in Asia-Pacific for paper production, boosting trade volumes
2020-2022
The European Union implemented stricter regulations on wood imports to combat deforestation, requiring detailed traceability and sustainability documentation for fir and spruce products.
June 2023
Increased compliance costs for exporters but potential market advantage for certified sustainable producers
Ongoing negotiations between the US and Canada regarding softwood lumber tariffs and trade practices aim to resolve long-standing disputes over subsidies and dumping allegations.
September 2023
Potential reduction in tariffs could boost Canadian exports to the US, a key market for fir and spruce lumber
Russia imposed export tariffs and quotas on unprocessed timber to encourage domestic processing, significantly reducing raw fir and spruce exports.
January 2022
Global supply chain disruptions, with increased prices and sourcing shifts to other regions like Scandinavia