http://southeastagnet.com/2013/07/19/southern-lumber-timber-market-recovery-underway/
Economic recovery is producing promising outgrowths for the Southern timber
and lumber industry. Increasing demand and constrained supply globally are
inciting a long-term rebound across the U.S., which is good news for Florida
where timber resources are an important economic driver.
Rebounding demand is tied to recovery of the U.S housing market, which is
surging toward pre-housing bust levels for housing starts. In March, builders
started work on the most new U.S. houses in almost 5 years. Long-term
demographic demand is projected to drive 1.5 million or more annual housing
starts nationwide, and repair and remodel expenditures are predicted to
dramatically improve over 2008–2012 levels. Growth in housing starts in Florida
gives more cause for confidence. The latest reports from the National
Association of Homebuilders show 2013 YTD housing starts in Florida up 68% over
2012.
