Since 1989, exports to Hong Kong have increased 900 percent, and exports to Taiwan have more than doubled. As wood frame construction has become more popular in Pacific Rim countries, wood-based building materials constitute a larger portion of secondary exports. Despite the Asian economic decline, Japan was the leading export destination for US and PNW building exports with 91 percent of the PNW prefabricated building export market. However, Canada imports a considerably different mix of products. Leading imports to Canada are wooden furniture and furniture parts, hardwood flooring, and softwood moulding.
Most furniture is made of hardwood and originates in the southern and eastern states.
However, the PNW is steadily increasing its share of the softwood building materials export market. The dual effect of reduced consumer confidence in Asia and increased competition from other countries makes it critical for companies servicing this market to be responsive to customer needs. Countering the Asian economic slump with marketing and sales to more stable and established markets like Canada can be an important strategy for some products. Diversification can provide some protection for companies from regional economic problems.