Forestry & Logging NAICS 113
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Industry Summary
The 8,000 companies in the US forestry and logging industry are involved in natural resource management and harvesting. Companies may own and manage the land and harvest the trees and plants, or provide contracted services to public and private landowners. Over 1 billion trees are planted in the US annually – the equivalent of three plantings for each tree harvested.
Worker Injuries And Fatalities
Despite efforts by the industry to reduce injury rates, logging ranks as the most dangerous occupation in America.
Pest Infestations
The spread of invasive plants, diseases, and insects that target woodlands are growing and destroying timber stands in the US.
Recent Developments
Sep 10, 2025 - Sawmills Trim Production Amid Drop in Lumber Futures
- Forestry and logging firms could see a sharp decline in demand as sawmills cut production amid low lumber prices and weak demand. Lumber futures have plunged 24% since early August, signaling economic caution amid trade uncertainty and a weakening housing market, according to The Wall Street Journal. Spot prices saw a similar drop over the same period. A glut of wood - stockpiled in anticipation of higher tariffs on Canadian imports - has collided with softening demand, prompting major producers like Interfor and Domtar to curtail output. While high lumber prices during the pandemic stemmed from inflation and supply chain strain, current declines result from reduced construction activity and tariff volatility. Analysts warn that further production cuts are likely as the market adjusts to oversupply and shifting trade dynamics. A prolonged drop in log demand can also present higher risks for disease and wildfire as timber goes unharvested.
- Amid Trump administration calls to boost domestic lumber production, regional Forest Service managers are mapping out five-year plans to increase log harvests in national forests by 25%, according to The Wall Street Journal. Logging and sawmill activity in some regions, especially the Pacific Northwest, has dwindled in recent years, partly due to reduced access to public timberlands and competition from cheap Canadian lumber imports. In July, the US Commerce Department said it would increase anti-dumping duties on Canadian softwood lumber to 20.5%, bringing the total levy on Canadian lumber imports to about 34%. President Trump may decide to impose additional tariffs. Some industry insiders suggest a 25% rise in logging in national forests is unlikely to increase log access for sawmills in the Pacific Northwest significantly.
- New single-family home sales rose 0.6% month-over-month and were down 6.6% year-over-year in June 2025, according to the US Census Bureau. June’s total new home sales reached 627,000 units. Economists polled by Reuters had expected June new home sales to reach 650,000. Higher interest rates and a lack of affordability have contributed to slower new home sales and an oversupply of unsold homes. In June, there were 511,000 new homes on the market, marking the highest level since October 2007.
- Home builder confidence in the single-family market rose slightly in July but remained in negative territory for the 15th consecutive month, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). Home builder sentiment, as measured by the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI), increased one point to 33 in June 2025. Any HMI reading over 50 indicates that more builders see conditions as good than poor. The US housing market faces headwinds from high interest rates and economic uncertainty. The HMI survey also showed that 37% of builders have reduced home prices to lure potential buyers off the sidelines, although the average price reduction of 5% has remained unchanged since November 2024.
Industry Revenue
Forestry & Logging
Industry Structure
Industry size & Structure
The average forestry and logging company operates out of a single location, employs 6 workers, and generates $2 million in annual revenue.
- The forestry and logging industry comprises about 8,000 companies that employ about 49,700 workers and generate about $15.7 billion in annual revenue.
- The industry consists of foresters that maintain woodlands and loggers that harvest timber.
- Over 1 billion trees are planted in the US annually – the equivalent of three plantings for each tree harvested. The US has recorded over 50 consecutive years of net forest growth that exceeds yearly harvest, according to the North American Forest Foundation.
- About one-third of the US is covered in forest; 58% is classified as private land and 42% is public.
- 94% of firms have fewer than 20 employees.
- The industry's gross output is volatile and can change 20% from year to year.
- Large companies include ALRT Corporation, C & C Logging, Huffman-Wright, and the timber operations of vertically integrated companies like Weyerhouser, Mid-South Lumber, Green Diamond Resources, and PotlatchDeltic.
Industry Forecast
Industry Forecast
Forestry & Logging Industry Growth
Source: Vertical IQ and Inforum
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