The US wood products market displayed a varied performance in November, with notable gains in some segments and declines in others. Key highlights include a strong rebound in sawn tropical hardwood imports, a surge in hardwood flooring, and a continued slide in hardwood moulding and veneer imports.

Sawn tropical hardwood imports rally
US imports of sawn tropical hardwood surged 25% in November, marking a recovery from a sluggish autumn market. The 17,038 cubic meters imported in November represented the second-highest monthly volume of 2024 and was 42% above the level recorded in November 2023. Imports from Brazil and Ghana more than doubled compared to October, while imports from Malaysia rose by 81%, reaching their strongest level of the year.

Despite the November increase, imports from Malaysia remain 38% below 2023 levels year-to-date. Overall, total US imports of sawn tropical hardwood are down 7% through November compared to the same period last year.