This seminar will present the preliminary results of current research relating to the Appalachian hardwood lumber export market. Current issues in the export market will be addressed, including forest products certification and increased competition in several European and Asian countries.

The Appalachian region has a wealth of hardwood forest resources serving a hardwood lumber industry important to the region's economy. In 1989, the University of Georgia in cooperation with the USDA Forest Service Northeastern Research Station canvassed hardwood lumber manufacturers in six Central Appalachian states to determine the attributes common to successful exporters. Since that survey, the region's hardwood industry has changed considerably due to business consolidation, changed time resources, greater competition from manufacturers and species outside the region, increased plant automation, and greater competition in overseas and domestic markets. Several issues that greatly affected the region's hardwood lumber manufacturers have emerged since the 1989 survey and it's recommendations. These include: The advent and increased importance of forest products certification; increased competition in European markets from former Soviet block countries; and new competing products and species available form recently developed industries in several Asian countries. Because of the extent of these changes, a follow up survey and comparisons to the 1989 survey on the industry and its export experience is being conducted. Preliminary results and conclusions from this research will be prevented in a manner that interests the membership of the Society of American Foresters at the National Convention.