TOKYO -- Despite a homebuilding industry that went into a virtual standstill during the pandemic, Japan last year used its highest rate of domestically produced lumber since 1972. The reason -- they burned more of it for energy as part of a broader decarbonization drive.
But even with the 48-year high in lumber self-sufficiency, some in the industry are saying more needs to be done to boost Japan's production to achieve an even higher level.
