US lumber supplies fell 30% during the first half of 2009, according to industry newsletter Random Lengths.

The total estimated lumber volume available to the US market during the period was 15.4 billion bd ft, down from 21.9 billion bd ft a year ago and 32.8 billion bd ft in 2006.

Domestic lumber production decreased an estimated 26%, while the figures for the western and southern US were a 28% and 24% decline respectively.

Canadian imports dipped by 24%, while overseas imports declined by 54%.

Residential construction, traditionally a big market for lumber, accounted for 27% of the total value of construction, compared with 53% during 2002-2006.