EXPORTS, IMPORTS, and TRADE BALANCE

KEY TRENDS

• The forest products trade deficit increased for the fifth consecutive year on strong demand and high prices for wood products and increased U.S. consumption of various grades of paper.
  
  
• Modest gains in U.S. exports of forest products resulted from favorable exchange rates and strong demand for raw materials such as wood pulp and waste paper.
  
  
• Canada and China remained the largest sector trading partners, reflecting Canada’s large industry and proximity to U.S. markets and the rapid development of China’s industry.
  
  
• The U.S. trade surplus in forest products with Latin America continued to decline rapidly as its industry continued to expand.
  

TRADE SHIFTS in 2004 from 2003

• U.S. trade deficit: Increased $6.8 billion (44 percent) to $22.0 billion
• U.S. exports: Increased $2.1 billion (9 percent) to $25.6 billion
• U.S. imports: Increased $8.8 billion (23 percent) to $47.6 billion
• Lumber exhibited the largest shift.
  
  

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