EXPORTING HARDWOOD LUMBER FROM KENTUCKY: SPECIES, GRADES, AND MARKETS.

Hardwood lumber exporters in Kentucky exhibit a strong preference for exporting directly to foreign buyers and avoiding middlemen to the greatest extent possible. These firms were studied to determine the nature of the foreign markets they are serving and to obtain their recommendations for successful direct exporting. Red and white oak lumber are the predominant export products, although markets do exist for other hardwood species. More firms export lumber to Europe than either the Pacific Rim or Canada, and all of the firms engaged in European trade ship some lumber to West Germany. Interest in other European countries as well as the Pacific Rim is, however, apparently increasing. Re-manufactured high grade lumber and standard NHLA grade material (NO. 1 Common and better) are both routinely exported by these firms. Full understanding of, and careful adherence to, customer specifications and export procedures are essential elements of successful direct hardwood lumber exporting.