March 2026

SFPA Kicks Off 2026 With a Strong First Quarter

SFPA began 2026 with an active and productive first quarter. The Association participated in several major events, including the Journal of Light Construction Show in Providence, Rhode Island, IndiaWood, and the Philippine International Furniture Show. Each event provided valuable opportunities to highlight the strength of Southern Pine lumber in construction, the long‑term performance of pressure-treated products, the natural beauty of Southern Pine for furniture projects, and the versatility of the species in international markets with a wide range of end uses.

Shipment data from 2025 shows encouraging movement in the marketplace. Total Southern Pine shipments reached a record 22.7 billion board feet, replacing the last record level set in 2022 and representing an increase of about 500 million board feet compared to 2024. Export shipments totaled 568 million board feet and were relatively flat (+1%) compared to 2024. A slight decrease in dressed lumber volume was offset by an increase in pressure-treated lumber exports. Rough lumber volume remained unchanged. Strong demand persisted across multiple markets, notably Mexico, India, Jamaica, Canada, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic.

Value-added lumber products showed positive momentum as pressure-treated Southern Pine grew by five percent. Five markets represented nearly sixty percent of total exports. These markets included Mexico, Jamaica, the Leeward and Windward Islands, Barbados, and the Dominican Republic.

Alongside promotional activities, SFPA continued its leadership role across key industry groups. SFPA remained an active participant in the EUDR coalition, a contributing member of the American Wood Protection Association standards writing committees, and a participant in American Wood Council task groups. SFPA also remained engaged with the MSR Lumber Producers Council and the Treated Wood Council.

With strong engagement at industry events, solid shipment volumes, and active involvement in policy and standards work, SFPA has set a positive tone for the year ahead.

As the second quarter of 2026 approaches, the forest products sector is navigating evolving regulations and shifting markets with growing opportunities. SFPA is meeting these developments head-on, ensuring Southern Yellow Pine is well-positioned to capture market share and strengthen its standing as a global leader in strong, sustainable lumber.

The following data represents approximately 85% of the 2025 shipments, by product. Totals for each product is above.

Global Trade & the EUDR

The EU’s Deforestation Regulation applies beginning December 30, 2026, for large and medium operators, and June 30, 2027, for small and micro firms, with recent clarifications confirming that only the first placer on the EU market must file the full due‑diligence statement.

From the U.S. forest products value chain’s perspective, the goals are shared, but the one‑size‑fits‑all, plot‑level geolocation requirement is disproportionate for low‑risk countries like the United States. It adds cost and complexity without improving outcomes. The sector continues to urge targeted, risk‑based simplifications (especially broader‑scale geolocation for low‑risk origins) to keep the focus on real risk and preserve access for small landowners, Tribes, and mills that supply blended residuals.

Bottom line:

Lumber producers are encouraged to continue preparing for EUDR implementation while SFPA and the EUDR Value Chain Coalition work together with partners across the sector to promote proportional compliance that supports both sustainability and healthy trade.

The Whole Tree Matters

SFPA is closely monitoring new opportunities for Southern Yellow Pine as global demand for renewable, wood‑based materials continues to grow. By tracking trends in sustainability policy, corporate climate goals, and circular manufacturing, SFPA identifies where Southern Yellow Pine may offer meaningful advantages.

While SFPA’s core mission is to promote the use of Southern Pine lumber, the organization recognizes that the value of the entire tree extends far beyond traditional lumber markets. Today, wood and bio‑based products are not merely participants in the global renewable‑fiber movement—they are helping drive it forward.

The wood bioproducts sector is expansive, encompassing biofuels, bioplastics, biochemicals, biocomposites, and pulp and paper. These innovations are possible because wood’s cellulose, lignin, and natural fibers are among the most versatile renewable feedstocks available.

In Short:

Lumber may be the flagship product, but the whole tree is part of a much larger global story—one where wood is central to low‑carbon materials, renewable energy, and circular innovation.

As we look ahead, SFPA remains committed to supporting Southern Pine producers, strengthening market opportunities, and championing the many ways our industry contributes to a strong and sustainable future. The progress made in the first quarter sets an encouraging tone for the months to come, and we are excited for all that lies ahead.

Southern Pine lumber shipments in December totaled 1.645 billion board feet (BBF), -18% below November’s revised shipments of 1.998 BBF. December year-to-date shipments totaled 22.674 BBF. December shipments are 3% above the year-to-date period for 2024 and 2% above the year-to-date period for 2023.

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

I encourage you to click their name to learn more about the work they do and the contributions they are making to our industry.

• Omega Solutions, Inc.

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

The Mississippi State Department of Sustainable Bioproducts is seeking assistance with a project in partnership with the Industrial Engineering Department to assess cybersecurity readiness within the forest products sector. The team has struggled to secure sufficient industry participation and would greatly appreciate help encouraging a few companies to complete the survey at the link below. Increased participation would provide a significant boost to the project and, more importantly, strengthen the case for future USDA grants that support the industry.

The Mississippi State Department of Sustainable Bioproducts is using this assessment to pinpoint the specific digital threats our sector faces. The data will support a grant proposal to host a free workshop where we can provide companies with hands‑on training to address these emerging threats. The survey is straightforward—just 30 questions answered on a 1‑to‑5 scale. Large companies should complete both the Manager and Technician tabs, while small businesses only need to fill out the Small Company tab. The web link requires a name, email, and the message “Forest Products” to ensure confidence in data security.

There are moments when an industry pauses to reflect and refocus. EXPO 2027 in Savannah will be one of those moments. As we address the issues shaping 2026, we are also preparing to gather and move forward together.

The 39th Forest Products Machinery and Equipment EXPO will take place August 18 to 20, 2027, in Savannah, Georgia, a city deeply connected to Southern forestry. Home to one of the largest ports in the United States, Savannah plays a critical role in moving Southern Pine to markets around the world. It reflects both the strength of our manufacturing base and the global reach of our industry.

Bringing the EXPO to Savannah places us at the center of the Southern Pine region. The Savannah Convention Center, located along the Savannah River, offers a strong setting for connection and collaboration while surrounding us with the character and hospitality that define the South. After visiting the site, I am confident Savannah will deliver an exceptional experience for our exhibitors and attendees.

Exhibit space sales open May 5, 2026. Interest is expected to be strong, and I encourage you to secure your space early.

I look forward to seeing you in Savannah as we celebrate our accomplishments and continue building the future of Southern Pine together. Thank you for your continued leadership and partnership.

Member News

Click on any of the headlines below to learn more

• Global Conflicts and Cybersecurity: What Local Governments Should Know
• Supporting EUDR Compliance Through Regional Sustainability Standards
• Bark beetles threaten ice-damaged timber

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