Oregon prohibits the export of logs from its state-owned lands. There are no export restrictions regarding private forest lands. The sale of raw logs abroad peaked out in 1988 when over 4 billion board feet of timber was exported nationally. Between 75-85 percent of those exports came from Oregon and Washington. Export levels have declined significantly since the late 1980's because of added regulations, political and public opposition to exports, voluntary commitments by private companies to not export and changes in the monetary exchange rates.
Japan is by far the largest importer of U.S. logs along with Australia and South Korea.
The argument for log exports has centered around free trade and the right to sell to any buyer. Supporters also contend that log exports should not be blamed for job losses in the forest industry. A number of small and large timber companies have also had significant financial stake in log exports for many years. Opponents to log exports argue that raw log exports rob the economy of thousands of mill jobs and related work involved in making secondary wood products. Opponents have also contended that log exports contribute to the shortage of raw logs for Northwest mills.