Since the beginning of time, forests have played a major role in the survival of the human race.

As populations increased so did the demand for building materials produced from forests. Alabama’s forest products industry began near the Port of Mobile when the first sawmills were built to produce lumber, which met a need in the northeastern U.S. where demand outpaced the supply of lumber available.

Since those early days, much has changed. Mills multiplied throughout the state. The types of materials expanded. Destination markets spread around the world. Alabama sustainably meets consumer needs.

Alabama’s Forest Resource

Forest Area (acres): 23.1 million acres
Inventory, growing (tons): 1.36 billion tons
Growth/Drain Ratio – Softwood: 1.78
Growth/Drain Ratio – Hardwood: 2.67

Alabama’s Forest Industry

Forest Industry Establishments: 1,467
Direct Employment: 54,265
Capital Invested Last 5 Years: $1 billion/year
Product Shipments: $16.3 billion
Exports: $1.3 billion
Export Destination: China, Mexico, Canada, Netherlands, Japan
Products Exported: lumber, plywood, wood pulp, OSB, flooring, roll and cut paper, wood pellets

What Are We Doing?

Export Promotion – Working with the Alabama International Trade Center and the Alabama Department of Commerce, AFF is providing information to forest products manufacturers about resources available to assist with accessing export markets
Export Infrastructure – Working with Alabama State Port Authority and Alabama Department of Commerce to support policy that enables forest products manufacturers to efficiently and economically transport their products to port facilities