Business Trends

Profit Margins Tighten Amid Ongoing Conflict Spring was slow to arrive, with persistent cold and rainy weather throughout April when this article was written. Transportation challenges continued across the province as elevated fuel prices—driven in part by the ongoing conflict in Iran—kept pressure on freight costs. Both short- and long-haul transportation became more expensive, tightening […]

Many Species Sell Well Despite Turmoil As winter seemed to drag on with no end in sight, businesses in certain areas of the province were getting anxious to replenish their inventories for stocks that were in short supply. Sales activity was positive for Soft Maple, Hickory and Cherry. White Oak is a strong seller, comment […]

The West Coast Market Moves In A Positive Direction Hardwood activity along the West Coast remains measured, with sources reporting generally flat conditions accompanied by slight improvement in recent periods. While demand is not described as robust, most agree the market is moving in a more positive direction compared to earlier conditions. Sources noted that […]

Southeast Business Trends June 2026 – Labor Receives A Mixed Review On Stability While Fuel Prices Trouble All Despite all lumber representatives contacted for this article explaining the difficulties the market currently faces, they are still able to move product. Poplar is moving the best while concerns about export market competition rise. In Mississippi, while […]

Northeast Business Trends June 2026 – Mixed Market Reviews And Concerns About Overseas Production Bloom In The Northeast While market reviews may be mixed, worry over production in Vietnam and the exportation of hardwood products to China and fuel costs is less mixed. Red and White Oak appear to be trending, in addition to Hickory […]

Lake States Business Trends June 2026 – Consistent Demand And Balanced Orders Are Lake States’ Bright Spots Hardwood activity across the Lake States is steady, with sources reporting consistent demand. Most contacts said business is stable, supported by residential flooring demand and balanced order files. In Wisconsin, a source said activity in his area has […]