Southern Pine Lumber Shipments in 2022 Reach 107-Year High

According to the Southern Forest Products Association, which tabulates shipment totals with the Southern Pine Inspection Bureau (SPIB) and Timber Products Inspection, 2022 Southern Pine lumber shipments increased over the previous year for the 13th consecutive year (TP).

The 2022 total also marks the third consecutive year of exports over 20 billion board feet (Bbf), beginning with 20.8 Bbf in 2020.

Southern Pine lumber shipments in 2022 reached 22.16 billion board feet (Bbf), a 5.5% increase over the volume transported in 2021. (20.93 Bbf). They have been rising since 2009, when shipments reached 11.79 Bbf, a decrease from 14.57 Bbf in 2008.

“The SFPA, in conjunction with our members, especially our lumber manufacturing members, and the SPIB and TP, couldn’t be more excited to see this record growth,” said the Executive Director of the SFPA.

“If there’s any question about the demand for Southern Pine, the 2022 shipment report confirms its popularity among design and construction professionals. It also supports the message that, as a naturally renewable resource, wood is the most environmentally friendly, easily accessible, and among the most trusted materials available for building homes or businesses.”

The 2022 record represents the longest period of continual growth in exports since records began in 1915.

The next closest five-year period of straight increase was from 1974 (6.92 Bbf) to 1979 (9.28 Bbf), followed by three four-year periods:

• 1980 (8.22 Bbf) to 1984 (10.65 Bbf)
• 1991 (12.5 Bbf) to 1994 (15.01 Bbf)
• 2001 (16.1 Bbf) to 2006 (18.5 Bbf)