Globalization Impacts

The shift to a global economy touches America's forests. Some U.S. wood products may be less economical in a global market, changing the tree size or species harvested from the forest. International shipment of lumber, pallets, and other wood products introduces diseases and insects to which North American species have little resistance. Northern Research Station scientists are working to understand what world economies mean for U.S. forests and how forest managers can best respond to those challenges.

Research Studies

Market Assessments and What They Mean for Forests
The vital importance of the hardwood products industry to the Appalachian region shapes our research program. We evaluate local, national, and international hardwood markets and the impact of timber removals have on our residual forests. This research assesses how markets affect the sustainability of Appalachian region forests.

Market Analysis in Support of the Appalachian Wood Products Industry
Like most industries, wood products companies face many challenges arising from changes in the broader economic environment. For example, the U.S. currently is facing the worst housing crisis since the Great Depression. The health of housing markets has consequences for the wood products industry, an integral part of the regional economy of the central Appalachians.