Role of Metric in U.S. Exports. Metric Measurement in International Trade: Case 1. Logs, Lumber, and Wood Products

摘要

This case study analyzes how metric enters into the international trade of logs, lumber and wood products. The report is based on information from the American National Metric Council, interviews with trade associations and firms within the industry, Government agencies dealing with the industry's international trade, and a review of literature on the industry. One of the principal findings is that increasing foreign competition, declining domestic demand and changes in technology for wood processing and handling point to an increase in metric-sized U.S. logs, lumber and panel products exports. It is a question of health (but not survival) for the industry. It is likely that a two-tiered approach will be developed: metric for export use and inch-pound for domestic use.