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Macro Pulse highlights recent activity and events expected to affect the U.S. economy over the next 24 months. While the review is of the entire U.S. economy its particular focus is on developments affecting the Forest Products industry. Everyone with a stake in any level of the sector can benefit from
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Thursday, March 14, 2019

December 2018 International Trade (Softwood Lumber)

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Softwood lumber exports extended the downturn (33 MMBF or -26.0%) in December, along with imports (8 MMBF or -0.7%). Exports were 48 MMBF (-34.1%) below year-earlier levels; imports were 131 MMBF (-10.5%) lower. As a result, the year-over-year (YoY) net export deficit was 83 MMBF (-7.5%) smaller. Also, the average net export deficit for the 12 months ending December 2018 was 3.4% smaller than the average of the same months a year earlier (the “YoY MA(12) % Chng” series shown in the graph above). 
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North America (42.3%; of which Canada: 22.0%; Mexico: 20.2%) and Asia (34.4%; especially China: 7.9% and Japan: 8.7%) were the primary destinations for U.S. softwood lumber exports; the Caribbean ranked third with a 14.8% share. Year-to-date (YTD) exports to China were -20.8% relative to the same months in 2017. Meanwhile, Canada was the source of most (90.7%) of softwood lumber imports into the United States. Imports from Canada were 4.7% lower YTD than the same months in 2017. Overall, YTD exports were down 0.9% compared to 2017; imports: -3.1%. 
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U.S. softwood lumber export activity through the West Coast customs region represented the largest proportion (36.4% of the U.S. total), followed by the Eastern (31.3%) and Gulf (23.3%) regions. Moreover, Seattle (22.9% of the U.S. total) retook the lead over Mobile (12.6%) as the single most-active district. At the same time, Great Lakes customs region handled 65.2% of softwood lumber imports -- most notably the Duluth, MN district (27.3%) -- coming into the United States. 
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Southern yellow pine comprised 20.3% of all softwood lumber exports, Douglas-fir (15.8%) and treated lumber (9.9%). Southern pine exports were down 4.3% YTD relative to 2017, while treated: -13.2%; Doug-fir: -9.4%.
The foregoing comments represent the general economic views and analysis of Delphi Advisors, and are provided solely for the purpose of information, instruction and discourse. They do not constitute a solicitation or recommendation regarding any investment.

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