Mexico overtakes China as America's top lumber buyer

Posted on June 21, 2024   |  

Mexico has overtaken China as the largest buyer of US lumber.

In the first four months of 2024, Mexico imported over 469,000 m³ of US lumber, with 130,000 m³ in April.

US lumber exports to China fell by 70,000 m³, from 469,900 m³ to 399,300 m³ compared to the same period in 2023.

Canada, the third largest market, increased its imports from 311,300 m³ to 378,100 m³, nearing China's volume.

The shift from Asian to North American markets is driven by a USMCA initiative to prevent illegal logging and timber trafficking.

The US, Canada, and Mexico will launch the "Advance Responsible Purchasing of Wood Products" campaign to raise public awareness.

Canada remains the top import market for US lumber, trading 9.74 million m³ in the first four months of 2024, up from 9.21 million m³ in 2023.