US imports of sawn tropical hardwood slowed in August, falling 25% from July’s strong volume. Imports dropped to 15,970 cubic metres in August, 3% lower than that of August 2018. Despite the decline, imports remain ahead of 2018 by 19% year to date.

Imports from Ecuador fell by 56% in August and are now down 11% from 2018 year to date. Imports from Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire also declined sharply in August and are now down by about one-third year to date. Despite also seeing weaker volume in August, imports from Brazil, Cameroon, and Malaysia remain well ahead of 2018 year to date.

Weaker Balsa and Sapelli imports drove the decline. Balsa imports fell by 57% in August and lag 2018 volume by 11% year to date. Sapelli, acajou d’Afrique, and teak imports also slowed in August, but still lead their 2018 pace year to date. Jatoba imports fell slightly in August but continue to more than double 2018 volume year to date.

In contrast, Canadian imports of sawn tropical hardwood in August more than doubled compared to July, rising to their highest level in 12 months. The surge, which saw strong gains among most wood types, helped bring 2019 imports more in line with last year’s numbers. Import volumes, year to date, are now down only 6% from 2018.