Softwood Forest Products Buyer - November/December 2023

Imitation Is The

Imitation Is The Sincerest Form Of Flattery Brad Kirkbride, Managing Director, Western Red Cedar Lumber Association U.S. Softwood Lumber Exports To Mexico Reach Record High By Rose Braden, President Softwood Export Council, Portland, OR www.softwood.org 1” x 6” Real Cedar T&G siding with a bleaching stain. Often imitated, never duplicated. Select knotty 2” x 6” Real Cedar decking. A.W. Stiles Contractors, Inc. A.W. Stiles provides a full line of Modern Day Equipment serving both Softwood and Hardwood markets. New Installations and Complete Rebuilds on Existing Equipment: High Temp Track Kilns, Hardwood Package Kilns, Predryers, Walnut Steamers (Right) Charles Ingram Lumber in Effingham, SC. A.W. Stiles Contractors fabricated and installed a patent pending dual path kiln consisting of a 60’ center chamber and 40’ extension chambers. The engineering firm over the project was Tinsley Consulting Group of Hot Springs, AR. Complete Rebuilds Including: • Roof Replacements/Complete Reskins • Heating Coils and Complete Steam Systems • Energy Efficient Upgrades - controls, insulation additions, wind flow, heating capacity, door seals, etc. (Left) T. R. Miller Mill Co. in Brewton, AL. A.W. Stiles Contractors fabricated and installed two steam-heated patented dual path kilns each kiln consisting of 94’ center chambers and 62’ extension chambers. The engineering firm over the project was Tinsley Consulting Group of Hot Springs, AR. • Doors and Carriers • Structural Repairs • Protective Coatings • Complete line of replacement parts Lee Stiles Cell: (931) 409-0144 Email: lee@awscontractorsinc.com Glenn Thompson Cell: (615) 372-4261 Email: glenn@awscontractorsinc.com Casey Miller Cell: (931) 607-7451 Email: casey@awscontractorsinc.com Office: (931) 668-8768 • Fax: (931) 668-7327 286 Bass Lane, McMinnville, TN 37110 awscontractorsinc.com In the late 19th century the Irish poet and playwright Oscar Wilde popularized the expression, Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. A century and a half later, the expression has not only become common usage, but also appears to be an apt descriptor of the marketing approach many wood-substitute decking and siding companies are taking. Now before anyone accuses me of being biased towards Softwoods, I want to state that this is not being written with the intent of disparaging or discrediting wood-substitute companies; it’s being written as an examination of the claims many of these companies are making on how close they are to looking like real wood species such as Western Red Cedar, and why they are leaning so heavily on these claims. When it comes to choosing materials for building or renovations, most of us go through a decision-making process that begins with a preconceived idea of what we think we want. This can be based on previous experience; on a recommendation; from an inspirational photo or video, or from any number of other sources. The next stage, however, is when we start weighing the benefits. Cost is obviously an important factor, and budget will play a decisive role. But the majority of the time it’s the look of the product (or how the finished project will look) that is the primary motivator. So it’s no coincidence that many wood-substitute decking and siding companies highlight their look, and in particular how closely they look like real Continued on page 50 Rose Braden In 2022, U.S. Softwood lumber exports to Mexico reached an all-time high, totaling 2 million, and nearly double 2020 sales figures. Mexico is now the number one international market for U.S. Softwood lumber, unseating China in 2018 following a 25 percent U.S. tariff on wood products from China. January to August 2023 exports (1 million) are down slightly from the same period in 2022, (5 million), yet analysts expect end of year totals to be almost on par with 2022 figures. Demand for U.S. Softwood lumber in Mexico is increasing at an unprecedented rate for a number of reasons, including limited domestic supply of quality lumber, positive impacts of the US-Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA), and the logistical advantages of a shared border. Cartel related violence has further constrained access to Mexico’s domestic timber. Increased onshoring from Chinese firms seeking lower cost labor and a means of avoiding the U.S. tariff on Chinese goods is also a huge demand driver. Once the world’s center for low cost labor, by 2020 the average hourly wage in China for manufacturing workers was .50, a 12 percent increase from a year earlier. Meanwhile, the average hourly wage in Mexico in 2020 was .82, a 3 percent increase from 2019. While the labor rate in Mexico is rising, Mexico’s ample supply of comparatively low cost labor, and proximity to one of the largest consumer markets in the world, will likely continue to fuel continued manufacturing growth. The Softwood Export Council (SEC) has been active in Mexico for decades. With its staff in Mexico, SEC holds seminars and webinars for Mexican producers, leads inbound buyers’ missions, and exhibits at leading industry trade shows. The association and its members also hold regular webinars for architecture associations. Topics have included mass timber design and engineering, and use of preservative treated wood products. As interest in Continued on page 45 Suppliers and buyers from 13 countries participated in the 2023 NWPCA Guadalajara pallet convention. FENCES THAT STAND FOR SOMETHING. At Alta Forest Products, our fences stand just a little bit taller. Craftsmanship, sustainability and American-grown Western Red Cedar are at the core of who we are. We value relationships more than anything, and believe in giving our partners the right tools to get the job done. www.altafp.com 800-599-5596 Page 10 Softwood Forest Products Buyer • November/December 2023 Softwood Forest Products Buyer • November/December 2023 Page 11