Northeast trends 

Throughout the Northeast region lumber sources weren’t able to come to a consensus as to how the market was faring, with one source noting that “some products are up and while other products are down.”  In Maryland a sawmill representative noted that when it comes to how his grade lumber is selling, White Oak continues […]

West Coast Business Trends

Recently, lumber sales on the West Coast were not going gang-busters, as reflected in interviews, but in some places, there were indications of strength. For example, a lumber sales spokesman in California noted that sales were “order-to-order, but steady. You can talk to a guy two days ago; then he wants the lumber now.” Customers […]

Ontario Trends

The winter weather was milder with less snowfall in certain areas, thus affecting logging activity levels. As well, markets have contracted, causing limited timber sales and putting a strain on logging operations to operate efficiently and make a profit. Finding adequate logs to process was another factor. With the low sawmill production and steady demand […]

Lake States Trends 

Contacts in the Lake States region accounted for average Hardwood activity, with many stating they expect supply shortages in the coming months.  An Indiana Hardwood supplier said, “Business activity for us and our customers has been slow. Market conditions are better than last quarter, but things are still slow.” The source specializes in the production […]

Quebec Trends

With a quieter start to 2024, business continues at this slower pace for many businesses. With spring thaw reducing access to logs, obtaining required inventories is a challenge. With the continued economic global uncertainty and the Bank of Canada keeping its lending rate at 5 percent, business owners are cautious in their dealings, yet remain […]

Northeast Business Trends

By Cadance HansonStaff Writer While two out of three lumber sources in the Northeastern states agreed that business was “soft” in the first quarter of 2024 thanks to wintry weather, all three lumbermen were optimistic when looking toward the future. As of press time, a Massachusetts source, who sells Douglas Fir, Eastern White and Idaho […]

Inland West Business Trends

By Terry MillerPresident The mindsets of lumbermen in the Inland West region were conflicting as they looked to the future when interviewed for this publication. While one Utah source noted that he’s seen enough orders coming down the pike to give him confidence in 2024, a Colorado source remained unsure about the U.S. economy. “Interest […]

Midwest Business Trends

By Paul Miller Jr.Vice President Throughout the Midwest region lumber suppliers noted that their sales were doing well and that their markets were active, at the time of this writing. In South Dakota, a lumber spokesman said, “Our markets are active right now. I think that this is due to the warming temperatures after it […]

West Coast Business Trends

By Zach Miller At the time of this writing, the North American Lumber market, relative to this time of year, can best be described as idle. That said, there appears to be some optimism that buying will begin to accelerate as spring nears and inventories will need to be built. Even with the current mild […]

Southeast Business Trends

By Sue PutnamEditor Across the Southeastern region while all lumber sources agreed that their sales were slow, they each believe it is for a different reason. In Alabama, a lumberman said that while his sales have been steady, they have been impacted by the weather. “I expect to bounce back as soon as the weather […]