The Dominican Republic is the No. 2 importer of Southern Pine lumber (treated and untreated) with 41 MMBF entering the Caribbean island through the first half of 2025, which is why it was important for the Southern Forest Products Association to attend Construexpo 2025 from May 15-17 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
While the Dominican Republic is a mature market, Construexpo 2025 allowed SFPA to continue promoting the value and versatility of U.S. Southern Pine lumber among professionals in the engineering, architecture, and construction sectors throughout the Dominican Republic and the greater Caribbean region.
The event offered a unique opportunity to engage with key stakeholders, educate attendees about the technical and sustainable advantages of Southern Pine lumber, and explore potential collaborations with regional importers, developers, and specifiers.
SFPA’s participation in Construexpo 2025 was further strengthened by the presence of APA – The Engineered Wood Association, which exhibited in its own booth. APA’s participation added technical depth and credibility to U.S. softwood promotion efforts, particularly through their focus on structural panels and engineered wood products.’
Construexpo 2025 Experience
The SFPA booth hosted a range of professionals, including engineers and architects from leading firms in the Caribbean basin, representatives from construction companies and developers, and timber and hardware importers and distributors.
Given this audience, SFPA representatives discussed the benefits of using pressure-treated Southern Pine lumber in coastal, seismic, and humid tropical environments. It also allowed representatives to discuss using Southern Pine lumber in structural designs and the advantage of U.S. lumber sustainability and regulatory standards compared to local and competing materials.
Key observations from conversations with booth attendees that show further room to grow knowledge and use of Southern Pine lumber throughout the Dominican Republic and the greater Caribbean region included:
- Interest in treated wood: Visitors expressed growing interest in pressure-treated lumber, especially for applications in tourism (resorts, boardwalks, piers), as well as in coastal housing projects.
- Design professionals’ curiosity: Architects were particularly curious about the visual appeal and flexibility of Southern Pine lumber and its suitability for modern design trends combining wood and steel.
- Technical training requests: Many attendees asked about future training opportunities or technical seminars. Two main requested topics included:
- Moisture control and wood durability.
- Cost comparison studies (wood vs. concrete vs. metal).
- Import barriers: Several importers discussed logistical and cost-related challenges, including customs clearance delays, limited financing options, and exchange rate volatility.
SFPA members: Don’t forget to check out the contacts secured during the show and their corresponding contact information in the SFPA member portal.
