Talk to me about baltic birch plywood.

I live in North Carolina, and with the exception of one local source, the only birch plywood I can get is the 5 ply (for 3/4” thick) stuff. About $80/4’x8’ sheet. I’ve used 13-ply baltic birch, but it’s $200/4’x8’ sheet.

I see some of my favorite YT creators use baltic birch plywood for all sorts of projects. I think they are out west, though. Is baltic birch readily accessible out west, and is it cheaper? Or are they just paying top dollar for top tier product?

I would love to get some insight. And I don’t have the space or $$$ to buy a unit or 2, so that limits me ordering from a distributor (i assume).

EDIT: My main interest in the baltic birch is the higher ply count, I just haven’t paid any attention to other species. So I’m open to other options as long as they have that higher ply count.

Thanks!