HS Code:
Western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) is a species of coniferous tree native to the Pacific Northwest of North America. It is widely used in the timber industry for construction, pulp, and paper production due to its strength, uniform grain, and workability. Under the Harmonized System (HS) Code, Western hemlock falls under categories related to coniferous wood, often classified under HS Code 4407.11 (sawn or chipped lengthwise, sliced or peeled, whether or not planed, sanded or end-jointed, of a thickness exceeding 6 mm, of coniferous species). It is a critical resource in global forestry trade, particularly in North America and Asia-Pacific markets.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately 5.2 million cubic meters
Data from 2022
Source
International Trade Centre (ITC) Trade Map and UN Comtrade Database
2.8 million cubic meters
53.8% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
1.5 million cubic meters
28.8% of total trade of total trade
Stable
0.4 million cubic meters (as importer)
7.7% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
0.3 million cubic meters (as importer)
5.8% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
0.2 million cubic meters (as importer)
3.9% of total trade of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
5.2% ad valorem
Highest Rate
15% (applied by certain developing countries to protect domestic industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like USMCA and CPTPP)
Rising demand in Asia-Pacific for sustainable construction materials
Increased exports from North America to countries like Japan and China, driving up prices by 8-10% annually
2021-2023
Shift towards certified sustainable timber
Producers in the US and Canada are increasingly adopting Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification to meet importer requirements, influencing supply chain costs
2020-2022
Impact of climate change on hemlock forests
Warmer temperatures and pests like the hemlock woolly adelgid are reducing harvestable volumes in some regions, potentially tightening supply
2019-2023
A new phase of trade negotiations has reduced tariffs on coniferous timber, including Western hemlock, exported from the US to China.
January 2023
Expected to boost US exports to China by 5-7% in 2023, benefiting hemlock producers in the Pacific Northwest.
Canada introduced stricter regulations requiring sustainable logging practices for hemlock and other species to preserve forest ecosystems.
June 2022
May increase production costs for Canadian exporters but enhances long-term market access to eco-conscious markets like the EU.
Japan implemented incentives for using imported sustainable timber in construction to meet carbon neutrality goals.
March 2023
Increased demand for Western hemlock from certified North American suppliers, with a projected 10% rise in exports to Japan.