East Texas Leads Production with Strong Sawtimber Demand
Texas' timber industry continues to be a steady force in the state’s economy in 2025, with employment and production levels like 2023, according to Eric Taylor from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and Forest Service.
Most of Texas' timber comes from East Texas, especially from 43 counties with 12 million productive acres. Most of this land is privately owned, often by small family landowners, though some is owned by large timber companies and a small portion is public land.
Sawtimber from pine trees, which is widely used for construction lumber like two-by-fours, remains in strong demand. However, smaller-diameter trees are oversupplied, keeping pulpwood prices low.
While hardwood markets are mixed and the pulp and paper sector face challenges, recent mill expansions in the region show industry confidence in the future.
Trade also plays a role, with Texas exporting and importing wood products mostly with Mexico and Canada. Housing starts continuing to influence sawtimber demand, linking timber trends to construction activity.
A growing opportunity is mass timber—engineered wood used in large buildings as an alternative to concrete or steel. This market is expanding thanks to advances in building design and safety standards.
To help small landowners who may face high costs for managing small tracts of timberland, Texas A&M Forest Service plans to launch a new cost-share program this fall. It will cover up to 80% of qualified forest management practices like thinning, site prep, and planting.