03/25/2026
In South Carolina we peaked in 2021, at 31.26 million tons of wood utilization and since 2023 we have lost 10.7 million tons - 1/3 of the business has disappeared. Do you know of any other business that could lose 1/3 of their business in 2.5 years and still try and move along like business as usual? The silence from state and federal officials is deafening while we struggle to survive. REMEMBER this when you vote. Talk to your elected officials and demand that they do something to address our issues.
The attached chart by Forisk shows what South Carolinians in the wood business feel every day. Loggers, landowners and wood dealers live this reality but continue to work to provide what the mills we have left will take. Now we are doing it with increased fuel costs with few mills addressing the issue. This chart shows mill wood usage changes from 2021 - 2026 across the South - green are the increases and red are the decreases. The larger the circle the more the volume. This chart is a testament that other states across the South are supporting the industry far greater than South Carolina. Remember that when you vote...go talk to your representatives and DEMAND they help stabilize and grow our industry.
The U.S. timber and forest products industry is a major economic driver, generating approximately $288 billion annually and supporting over 900,000 jobs. It serves as a vital manufacturing sector, often acting as a top employer in rural communities.
Corn and soybeans combined generate $247 billion in economic output annually.
Let that sink in - timber is neglected in subsidies compared to agriculture and all but ignored while farmers are supported endlessly. Forestry is expected to “pay the bills”. It’s time for that to change! No more lip service from the people who have failed us. Get out and vote and make changes if they won't.
MAP updated 4-01-26 with most recent map available
