A New Keyword for Japan Market in 2010

A new norm for lumber imports undergoing change and for housing starts

From 2008 to 2009, lumber imports in Japan underwent a large change in form matching the change in demand of customers. The kinds of lumber imported underwent a change. Led by Russian logs, all imported lumber decreased in terms of the amount received, and it was under attack from domestic lumber. Concerning imported lumber, "the lack of domestic lumber being supplemented with imported lumber" may be the shape of things to come.

In 2009, housing starts will fall below 800,000 units and will likely become 750,000 units. Housing starts in America fell from 2,000,000 units to 500,000 units, so "What is the new norm?" is a question that is now attracting attention. And so what is the new norm for Japan? Is it 700,000 units, or is it 800,000 units? In either case, it is believed that the restructuring in production will be the topic of discussion in the near future.

Lumber imports in 2010

Among log imports, North American logs will most likely be a little over 2,000,000 m³, and Russian logs will be about 500,000 m³. For lumber products, North American products will likely increase a little. The reason is that imported lumber products from American factories are increasing. Adding together both Canada and America, North American lumber products will be 2,500,000 m³. Russian lumber products will most likely be a little over 800,000 m³, and European lumber products will be about 2,500,000 m³. The amount of European lumber products to be received is expected to be about the same as in 2009 or to have a slight increase. In 2010, a big trend appears to be the direction in which domestic lumber will be more widely used, and with a lack of supply of domestic lumber such as cedar and cypress, there is always the imported lumber market.

Informational resources: JLJ