The year 2020 was unlike any other in recent United States and world history as a result of the 2019 COVID-19 coronavirus disease wreaking havoc on world health and nearly shuttering the global economy. Presented in this report are data and information on the current state of the U.S. economy and wood products markets and near-term prospects. This report is supported by conventional information and statistical data concerning forest products in terms of consumption, consumer credit, industrial production, prices, and trade. Market development information is offered for sawn softwood and hardwood, softwood and hardwood log trade, wood-based panels, paper and paperboard, fuelwood, forest product prices, and new housing sales and starts. Policy initiatives, which may affect domestic markets and international trade in wood products, also are discussed. Selected data are provided for the years 2015 through 2019, with estimates for 2020 and forecasts for 2021.

This paper describes the current state of the U.S. economy and provides general and statistical information on forest products markets in terms of production, trade, consumption, and prices. Market developments are described for sawn softwood, sawn hardwood, softwood log trade, wood-based panels, paper and paperboard, fuelwood, forest product prices, and housing starts. Policy initiatives that can affect domestic markets and international trade in wood products are also discussed in some detail. Data are provided through the end of the year 2008 with forecasts through 2009.