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The article focuses on the continued decline in forest products from the U.S. It was noted that the trade deficit in lumber has grown from 4.1 billion board feet (bbf) in 1962 to 23.4 bbf in 2005, and it is projected to rise to 26.7. bbf by 2050. From 1995 to 2001, the U.S. share of domestic markets fell by 29% for several reasons. With regard to paper and paperboard, the surge in the value of the U.S. dollar from 1996 to 2002 undercut American production, while production expanded in Asia and Latin America, where wage rates are lower and wood fiber plantations are faster growing.