AHMI Program Covers Pressing Topics
Appalachian Hardwood Manufacturers Inc. members and guests learned the hottest topics in the hardwood industry at the recent 2026 Summer Conference in Williamsburg, VA.
A good crowd of sawmillers, secondary manufacturers and suppliers heard sessions on domestic and export markets, AI and promotion. There was a special visit by the fourth U.S. President James Madison, portrayed by a local actor.
The group also had a reception and dinner at an 18th century tavern on Duke of Glouchester Street sponsored by PLM Insurance.
The following is a recap of the business session. The presentations are posted online at the AHMI website www.appalachianhardwood.org.
AI in the Sawmill
Virginia Tech Associate Professor and Extension Specialist Pipiet Larasatie shared advances in artificial intelligence for sawmills for business and log bucking. She said AI software learns patterns from data to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence and then helps make better decisions.
At the sawmill, software can assist grading, log inspection, inventory and general business tasks. She noted that the output still requires human oversight and companies should start with low-risk workflows.
Virginia Tech researchers are compiling data on ways to use AI and computer vision to improve hardwood log bucking decisions. The test simulates real log stems, defects, grades, and market conditions and provides hands-on, scenario-based practice.
The research will be integrated into Virginia’s SHARP Logger Program with the goal to improve bucking decisions and higher value recovery. The findings will be reported in the fall.
Domestic Markets For Hardwoods
Hardwood Market Report/Fastmarkets Editor Andy Johnson provided an update on domestic and international markets for hardwoods from a recent survey. The publication surveys buyers annually to determine current and future trends.
Johnson reported on market conditions in 2026 and noted that many customers of grade hardwood lumber were flat or declining. These include residential and truck flooring, and furniture.
Improved markets were reported for cabinets, millwork and wood components. He noted that purchases of pallet and road mat products were improving.
The purchase of grade hardwood lumber was forecast at less than 2 billion board feet in 2026, a record low. He said industrial hardwood purchases will likely be stable.
On the international front, Johnson said several countries were reporting gains in 2026 and more than 45 percent of grade hardwood lumber produced is exported.
He said lumber increases are reported in Vietnam, Canada and Mexico. Log exports are rising faster with dramatic increases to Vietnam and China.
Tariffs and the EUDR
American Hardwood Export Council International Program Manager Tripp Pryor discussed export markets and the latest updates on the European Union Deforestation Regulations.
The U.S. hardwood industry has exported products for decades and much of that was grade lumber. Sales in 2025 fell to levels recorded in 2020 and 2021 or less than $2 billion annually. Other hardwood products like cooperage and millwork are also down. The volume of log sales, however, has increased as sawmills have been built in Vietnam to manufacture logs from around the world.
In the first half of 2026, log exports to Vietnam are close to $300 million in value, more than half of the volume in 2025. Pryor said log sales will likely double the volume of lumber sales to Vietnam this year.
That is troubling news to lumber exporters as Vietnam had become a leader in purchases.
Pryor also spoke about the new rules in the EU that go into effect on December 31, 2026 and July 1, 2027. These require importers of wood products to show geolocation of harvest.
AHEC has developed the American Hardwood Assured program to help exporters meet the requirements. Pryor said the program allows users to enter the county of harvest in the U.S. and it determines a geolocation for the county. This data is then translated into a format that sellers can upload into the EU system for customers to report. More details at www.hardwood.us.
Real American Hardwood
AHMI’s Tom Inman presented the latest videos, social media and design contests promoting solid hardwood products to architects and designers. There have been more than 30 videos and hundreds of social media posts in 2026 educating consumers and prosumers on the benefits of real American hardwood.
Inman showcased the videos that are 25 to 40 seconds in length and offer great details. He encouraged meeting participants to follow the Coalition on Instagram, X and Facebook and ask employees to also. #RealAmericanHardwood
The next meeting of the association is March 3-7, 2027, at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point in Bonita Springs, FL. Please visit www.appalachianhardwood.org.
