EXPORTS, IMPORTS, and TRADE BALANCE

KEY TRENDS

• The forest products trade deficit increased for the sixth consecutive year, although the increase was very small compared to the increase in 2004.
  
  
• Modest gains in U.S. exports of forest products resulted from favorable exchange rates and strong foreign demand for raw materials such as wood pulp and waste paper.
  
  
• Canada remained the United States' largest sector trading partner, reflecting Canada's large industry and proximity to U.S. markets.
  
  
• Large shifts in U.S. forest products trade in recent years have resulted from the rapid expansion of China's forest products industry. Bilateral trade between China and the United States posted the largest gain in 2005, increasing by $1.4 billion.
  
  
• The U.S. trade surplus in forest products with Latin America reversed the declining trend in 2005 as increased exports to Mexico and other countries offset growing imports from Brazil.
  

TRADE SHIFTS in 2005 from 2004

• U.S. trade deficit: Increased $240 million (1 percent) to $22.2 billion
• U.S. exports: Increased $2.2 billion (9 percent) to $27.8 billion
• U.S. imports: Increased $2.4 billion (5 percent) to $50.0 billion
  
  

LINKS

USITC PUBLICATIONS
Title VII Investigations

• Certain Crepe Paper Products from China
• Certain Tissue Paper Products from China

OTHER GOVERNMENT RESOURCES
U.S. Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration

• Building Products and Construction

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service

• Forest Products Laboratory
  

SECTOR SHIFTS

| Agricultural Products | Forest Products | Chemicals and Related Products |
| Energy and Related Products | Textiles, Apparel, and Footwear |
| Minerals and Metals | Machinery | Transportation Equipment |
| Electronic Products | Miscellaneous Manufactures |

COUNTRY SHIFTS