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 the building materials produced from the forests. Alabama’s forest products industry began near the Port of Mobile when the first sawmills were built to produce lumber to meet a need in the northeastern U.S. where demand outstripped the supply of lumber available.
Since those early days, much has changed. Mills have multiplied around the state, materials produced have grown and destination markets have spread around the world, but Alabama continues to meet consumer needs.
Alabama’s Forest Resource
Forest Area (acres): 23.1 million
Standing Volume (cubic feet): 42.2 billion
Volume Increase Since 2001: 37.3%
Growth/Drain Ratio – Softwood: 1.74
Growth/Drain Ratio – Hardwood: 2.19
Alabama’s Forest Industry
Forest Industry Establishments: 1,467
Direct Employment: 44,048
Capital Invested Last 5 Years: $1 billion/year
Product Shipments: $16.3 billion
Exports: $1.56 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 – AFF is working with the Alabama State Port Authority and the Alabama Department of Commerce to support policy that enables forest products manufacturers to efficiently and economically transport their products to port facilities.
