Kentucky wood-related exports climbed to $396 million in 2023, an increase of $44 million from 2022 export levels (Figure 10). Wood barrel exports are responsible for much of that increase as their export level climbed more than $63 million in 2023 to a total of $211.9 million. Wood-related exports surpassed the recent high of $382 million in 2018. Oaks remain very important for the wood export market as the top two wood-related exports from Kentucky come from oak trees: oak barrels and oak lumber ($41.9 million).

Exports of railroad ties saw a large increase to $34 million in 2023. Non-oak hardwood lumber  exports were $17.6 million in 2023. Adhesive paper, rough oak and paper made up the remaining top seven wood-related exports at $12 million, $11.9 million, and $7.8 respectively (Figure 11). The demand for Kentucky’s barrels continues to grow domestically and internationally. The United Kingdom led the way in barrel imports at $102.8 million, followed by  Ireland at $36.2 million, and Canada at $19.1 million (Figure 12). Requirements implemented by the EUDR are of concern to wood manufacturing companies exporting to EU nations. 

Europe remains the leading destination for Kentucky wood-related exports in 2023 at more than $186 million. North America (Canada and Mexico) represented the second largest importer of Kentucky wood products at $98 million. Asia was the third leading destination for Kentucky wood-related exports at $96 million in 2023. The rest of the world imported more than $16 million in Kentucky wood-related products.