The trade flow of primary wood products in the Pacific coast region

Abstract

The forests and associated wood products of the Pacific coast region (PCR)—British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, and California—play an important role in mitigating climate change by storing carbon long term in durable wood products and providing a significant share of non-fossil fuel-based building materials and other renewable products. Understanding the supply chains and flows of these wood products into and out of the PCR is essential for supporting this goal. The objective of this research paper is to quantify the trade flows in the four PCR jurisdictions. This analysis focuses on the flow of primary wood products, such as lumber, veneer, structural panels (plywood and oriented strand board), nonstructural panels (fiberboard and particle board), pulp and pulp products (e.g., paper, paperboard, tissue), and woodchips and pellets. We identified publicly available datasets that can be used to describe each of the primary wood product flows, including flows between PCR jurisdictions, flows between PCR jurisdictions and non-PCR U.S. states, and international trade flows. We reported detailed results across all these dimensions. Results highlight the significant intra-PCR trade flows for many wood product categories, highlighting the interconnectedness of the region’s wood products economy. Results also support research on tracking the embodied carbon in wood products entering and leaving the PCR. Finally, this research highlights important information gaps on wood product trade flows and suggests areas of future improvement.

Citation

Evans, Samuel G.; Potts, Matthew D. 2024. The trade flow of primary wood products in the Pacific coast region. Res. Pap. PNW-RP-619. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station. 33 p. (Online only). https://doi.org/ 10.2737/pnw-rp-619.