The American hardwood industry, which dates back to the first European settlers, has a wealth of experience processing the native hardwoods of North America. The US hardwood resource is mainly located in the eastern United States, from Maine in the North to the Gulf of Mexico in the South and westwards to the Mississippi Valley. The USA has more temperate hardwood species than any other world region. Few other countries can boast of America's success in the sustainability of its hardwood forests. Due to the intensive application of Best Management Practices (BMP), the hardwood forests of America support a vibrant, healthy stand of timber, as well as a large and diverse wildlife population, clean rivers and streams, and a host of recreational activities. The last 80 years of improved forest management, state and federal regulations, greater silvicultural understanding, and public desire to conserve forests have resulted in a dramatic recovery and renewal of the American hardwood resource. The hardwood sawmilling and processing industry, which depends upon this resource, is the world's largest producer of sawn hardwood. Through careful management of its forests, the United States is growing more hardwood each year than it harvests, ensuring reliable and long-term supplies. Hardwood products are essential in North American transportation of goods as they require protection for durability and phytosanitary in ties and pallets. While the North American market has been lower for grade lumber over the past 14 years, they have slowly increased in exports. However, attempts to fight global deforestation and forest degradation have also led to other challenges, including the European Union adding geo-location requirements that impact small woodlot owners, which is common in the USA.

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