America’s Forest Economy: A Foundation for Sustainable Growth
The forest and forest products sector is a major driver of sustainable economic growth in the United States. Together, America’s private and public timberlands, mills, and manufacturing facilities support $609 billion in economic activity each year — representing 7% of the U.S. manufacturing GDP.
From lumber for construction and packaging materials to thousands of everyday wood-based products, this sector powers essential supply chains that keep our economy — and our communities — strong.
Economic Impact
Measuring the Full Contribution
This report, conducted by the National Alliance of Forest Owners (NAFO), quantifies the sector’s full economic impact on the U.S. economy. The analysis captures direct, indirect, and induced impacts — including contributions to employment, payroll, GDP, and government revenues, offering a comprehensive view of how working forests and forest products bolster America’s economy.