October 2026

Southern Pine Export Growth Hits Five-Year High

Southern Pine is gaining ground in global markets, reaching a five-year high in its share of U.S. softwood lumber exports. With export volume up 12% over last year, discover which markets are driving the growth, where new opportunities are emerging, and how SFPA’s market development efforts are helping expand demand for Southern Pine.

EXPO 2027 Floor Takes Shape in Savannah 

With a little more than nine months to go until EXPO 2027, I'm pleased to share that the floor is filling in nicely, and the commitment we're seeing from our exhibitors tells me Savannah is going to be something special.

Twelve of our returning exhibitors have decided to come back bigger, and some have even chosen to double their footprint. We're also welcoming nine new companies to the EXPO family for 2027. Most of those new contracts have come in since August, which tells us excitement around the show is building.

What really stands out to me is the loyalty. Of the 100 exhibitors who have renewed so far, 81 are keeping or expanding their space. Taken together, new and returning exhibitors have already booked nearly 34,000 square feet of exhibit space—more space than those same returning companies occupied in Nashville for 2025.

"Savannah is the perfect home for EXPO because this industry has deep roots here. For generations, Southern Yellow Pine lumber and naval stores moved through the Port of Savannah to markets around the world, and Georgia's forests still drive a big part of our industry today. Bringing sawmillers and equipment makers together in a city that grew up alongside the forest products business just feels right, and I think our exhibitors and attendees are going to love it."

— Eric Gee, Executive Director, Southern Forest Products Association

Secure Your Place on the Floor
If you exhibited with us in 2025 and haven't signed your contract yet, I'd encourage you not to wait any longer. Booth space is going to companies that commit early, the best locations on the floor are being claimed every week, and your former space is not being held. We'd love to see you in Savannah, so reserve your booth today at sfpaexpo.com, and let's make EXPO 2027 our best show yet.

Southern Pine Export Survey

Southern Pine producers have always had to adjust as markets shift, and exporting is no exception. Customers change, competitors change, and the countries buying Southern Pine today aren’t always the same ones buying it ten years ago. To ensure SFPA’s Unified Export Strategy keeps pace, we’d like to hear from you.

This short survey asks which export markets matter most to your company, what’s standing in the way of growth, and where the association could do more to help.

Whether exports are a large part of your business or something you’re just beginning to consider, your input helps complete the picture.

Your answers will help guide market development efforts, advocacy priorities, and how export programs are structured to serve members. The more responses we receive, the better informed our decisions will be.

The survey takes just a few minutes to complete, and all responses are confidential. We’ll share a summary of the results in an upcoming newsletter.

Moisture content plays an important role in the stability, performance, and longevity of wood construction. Southern Pine dimension lumber two inches thick or less must be dried to a maximum moisture content of 19 percent, helping minimize shrinkage and improve dimensional stability. Proper storage is equally important. Lumber should be protected from weather and moisture while allowing adequate air circulation to prevent moisture from becoming trapped.

Understanding moisture content and proper storage practices helps ensure Southern Pine is ready for successful installation and long-term performance.

Member News

Click on any of the headlines below to learn more

• How the SLB Is Building the Future of Lumber
• Strong American Wood Act proposes broad changes for U.S. wood industry
• Commission hosts a high-level policy dialogue on the role of forest-based value chains in the EU’s climate transition

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

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