Lumber Imports Through the Port of Baltimore

By: A. Zadel

Edited by: Siyana Randolph

Lumber and timber are both wood-based material products. Timber refers to wood that has been cut down but not yet processed, while lumber describes wood that has been milled and cut into boards or planks for use as building material. Examples of lumber include dimensional wood such as 2x4s, plywood, hardwood flooring, and particleboard. These products are made from many species and come from sources around the world.

Wood products being unloaded. (Photo by Glenn T Johnston)

Import Quantities to the Port of Baltimore

According to ImportInfo data for 2024, the Port of Baltimore handled 260,486 tons of lumber imports, representing 12.7% of total U.S. lumber imports. Baltimore processed 37.8% of mahogany, 29.8% of pine, 39.7% of Jatobá, and 100% of Wamara entering the United States. Mahogany arrived primarily from Colombia, Guatemala, and Panama; pine from Germany and Brazil; Jatobá from Colombia and the Bahamas and Wamara from Colombia.

Baltimore’s position on the Mid-Atlantic coast and its breakbulk handling terminals make it a natural gateway for lumber imports from tropical regions. The Dundalk Marine Terminal, for example, specializes in general cargo like lumber and steel, while BalTerm facilitates storage and inland distribution to the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest markets.

Uses of Major Lumber Types

Mahogany is a dense, durable hardwood used for furniture, cabinetry, flooring, and musical instruments such as guitars and violins. It is valued for its resistance to moisture and attractive appearance.

Pine is a softwood known for its lightness, strength, and ease of shaping. It is widely used for trim, molding, construction, and millwork projects, offering protection against rot, fungus, and insects.

Jatobá, a hardwood native to Central and South America, is prized for its color range and resistance to rot and termites. It is often used in flooring, furniture, and tool handles. Its density makes it difficult to cut but easy to glue and finish.

Wamara is a dense tropical hardwood native to the Amazon region. It provides a smooth finish and high resistance to decay and termites, though it is not resistant to marine borers. Wamara is used for flooring, cabinetry, and fine furniture.

Harvesting and Processing Methods

When trees are harvested, they are transported to mills where they are debarked, cut, and

dried in kilns. The wood is then planned and sorted by quality before being shipped to consignees. Specialized machinery is used depending on the intended final product.

Sustainability

Wood is a renewable resource, but its sustainability depends on responsible harvesting. Approximately 15.3 billion trees are cut down each year, reducing global forest cover by nearly 46% since human civilization began. Sustainable forestry requires replanting and allowing forests time to recover. Ports like Baltimore also play a role in verifying that lumber imports comply with environmental regulations and sustainable-harvest certifications.

Summary of 2024 Lumber Imports

Lumber Type Baltimore Weight (kg) Baltimore Share (%)

Mahogany 1,048,694 37.8

Pine 6,601,323 29.8

Jatobá 116,453 39.7

Wamara 124,400 100.0

In summary, the Port of Baltimore serves as a key hub for lumber imports, especially for tropical hardwoods. Its infrastructure allows efficient handling and inland transportation, supporting the U.S. building and furniture industries while emphasizing the importance of sustainable sourcing practices.