HS Code:
Southern yellow pine, encompassing species such as Loblolly pine (Pinus taeda), Longleaf pine (Pinus palustris), Pitch pine (Pinus rigida), Shortleaf pine (Pinus echinata), Slash pine (Pinus elliottii), and Virginia pine (Pinus virginiana), is a critical category of softwood timber primarily grown in the southeastern United States. These species are widely used in construction, pulp and paper production, and furniture manufacturing due to their strength, durability, and fast growth rates. Classified under HS Code 4407.11 (coniferous wood, sawn or chipped lengthwise, sliced or peeled), Southern yellow pine is a major export commodity for the U.S., with significant demand in construction markets globally, particularly in Asia and Europe.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately 15 million cubic meters
Data from 2022
Source
International Trade Centre (ITC) Trade Map, U.S. Forest Service Reports
12 million cubic meters
80% of global exports of total trade
Increasing
5 million cubic meters (imports)
33% of global imports of total trade
Increasing
2 million cubic meters (imports)
13% of global imports of total trade
Stable
1.5 million cubic meters (imports)
10% of global imports of total trade
Stable
1 million cubic meters (imports)
7% of global imports of total trade
Increasing
Average Rate
5.2% ad valorem
Highest Rate
15% (applied by certain developing countries to protect domestic timber industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements such as USMCA and EU-U.S. trade preferences)
Rising demand for sustainable construction materials
Increased exports of certified Southern yellow pine to Europe and North America, driven by green building initiatives.
2021-2023
Growth in Asian housing markets
Significant uptick in imports by China and India as urbanization and infrastructure projects expand.
2020-2022
Fluctuations in global lumber prices
Price volatility due to supply chain disruptions and U.S. domestic demand spikes affecting export volumes.
2021-2023
A new bilateral agreement reduced tariffs on Southern yellow pine exports to China, facilitating greater market access for U.S. producers.
March 2023
Expected to boost export volumes by 10-15% over the next two years.
The European Union introduced stricter regulations on timber imports, mandating verifiable sustainability certifications.
January 2023
U.S. exporters face higher compliance costs, potentially reducing competitiveness in the short term.
Severe hurricanes in the southeastern U.S. damaged significant pine plantations, disrupting supply chains.
September 2022
Short-term supply shortages led to a 5% increase in global prices for Southern yellow pine.