July 2026

The EXPO Floor Is Filling Up
When exhibit space sales for EXPO 2027 opened earlier this year, the response was immediate. Companies that have been part of this show for years did not hesitate to get involved, and that says something about what this event means to the forest products industry.

Space is being assigned under SFPA's priority points system, a straightforward recognition of the companies that have invested in this association and this show over the years. SFPA members received the first invitation to secure their space, followed by companies that exhibited at EXPO 2025.

No two venues are alike, and moving to the Savannah Convention Center meant developing an entirely new floor plan from the ground up. Our goal was to replicate the flow and feel of the 2025 show as closely as possible while taking advantage of what Savannah’s facility has to offer. Returning exhibitors should find the experience familiar.

EXPO 2027 takes place August 18–20 in Savannah, Georgia. The floor is coming together fast, but there is still time to be part of it!

The next round of exhibit space invitations goes out in August, extending the opportunity to additional companies. After July 30, 2026, space assignments shift to first‑come, first‑served. The priority points window will have closed, and location on the floor will go to whoever is ready to commit first.

Share Your Thoughts
If you haven’t yet, we invite you to help shape EXPO 2027. We appreciate your insights and want to remind you that your input is still essential. For 75 years, this industry has invested in EXPO because people have consistently shown up and contributed to its success. As we build the next chapter in Savannah, we want to build it with you.

Click here to share your thoughts in this quick survey.

Southern pine lumber producers have a growth story worth telling, and it is happening outside the U.S. housing market.

New export data shows that Southern pine lumber shipments to other countries have grown steadily since 2023. That growth matters right now. It shows that export markets can carry strong volume on their own.

The Numbers

Export volumes are measured in thousand board feet, or MBF. Here's how they've grown year after year:

• 2023: 510,144 MBF total, or about 42,512 MBF a month
• 2024: 563,727 MBF total, up 10.5% from 2023
• 2025: 569,080 MBF total, up almost 1% from 2024
• 2026, January through May: 256,560 MBF, up 12.2% compared to the same months last year

Growth was fastest in 2024, slowed in 2025, and is now picking back up in early 2026.

A Pattern That Repeats Every Year

Exports follow a clear seasonal pattern. Spring and early fall are the busiest shipping months, while winter is the slowest.

• Busiest months: May, October, July, and August
• Slowest months: December, January, and February

Mills and shippers can plan around this cycle. The winter slowdown aligns with holiday shutdowns and year‑end shipping schedules, and it does not mean demand actually drops.

Why This Matters for Members 

The key point is that export demand does not rise and fall with U.S. homebuilding. Export markets serve as a second, independent engine for demand that is not tied to domestic housing cycles.

Some of this export strength likely comes from repair and remodeling overseas, non‑residential building projects, and rebuilding after natural disasters. These uses do not fluctuate the way new home construction does.

For producers, this is good news. Export markets provide another outlet for products, helping make the industry more stable and diversified.

Looking Ahead

The strong start to 2026 is a good sign. But December is historically the slowest month of the year, so the full 2026 picture won’t be clear until fourth-quarter numbers are in. SFPA will continue tracking this data and will share updates throughout the year.

We are pleased to welcome an outstanding organization to SFPA and to the broader Southern Pine community: Toyota Material Handling. The continued growth of our membership reflects the strength and relevance of our industry, and we are proud to have this organization join us.

I encourage you to click their name to learn more about their work and industry contributions.

• Toyota Material Handling

Welcome aboard — we’re so glad you’re here!

Southern Pine is the dominant species used in U.S. pressure‑treated lumber because its cellular structure allows preservatives to penetrate deeply without incising, preserving strength and stiffness. This makes it a dependable choice for decks, docks, and other outdoor projects where treated lumber must carry a load and perform over time. Pressure treating with the right preservatives further extends service life, and preservers consider corrosion‑resistant fasteners, re‑drying for dimensional stability, current design values, onsite storage practices, and proper treatment of field‑cut ends to ensure long‑term performance. Installation and maintenance are also critical to keeping preserved wood reliable in service.

Safe handling and storage are essential. Pressure‑treated wood is safe when used properly, and the same precautions apply as with untreated wood: wear eye protection and a dust mask when cutting, minimize sawdust exposure, wash skin and clothing thoroughly, and dispose of material through ordinary trash collection or burial, never burning. Because pressure treating does not stop normal moisture exchange, treated lumber should be stacked and stored like untreated wood to maintain stability before and during construction. Following these practices ensures Southern Pine pressure‑treated lumber delivers durability and safety across applications.

Member News

Click on any of the headlines below to learn more

• How the SLB Will Capture 2.9 BBF of New Demand by 2035
• European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR): Navigating the Requirements of EUDR
• Vietnamese Agricultural Products Have the Opportunity to Upgrade Their Value
• $2 Million for Forestry Programs Available to Arkansas Landowners

Stay tuned for more exciting updates and information regarding EXPO 2027 and SFPA’s industry involvement. 

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