Business Trends

Northeast Business Trends The Northeast Softwood Market Dubbed A “Leaky Faucet” By Cadance JohnsonAssociate Editor The Northeast received mixed reviews on the state of the market and internal labor stability while all agree that fuel is an issue despite how little or heavily they have been impacted. The blue-collar housing market received a poor report […]

Inland West Business Trends Stable But Purchasing Decisions Tentative Terry Miller President Softwood suppliers throughout the Inland West continue to reflect cautious buying patterns as customers closely monitor economic conditions, interest rates and transportation costs. Sources described demand as steady, though most agreed uncertainty continues to influence purchasing decisions. An Idaho manufacturer focusing on Ponderosa […]

Midwest Business Trends Steady Market in Midwest Though Transportation Costs Are Challenging Chris FehrMarketing Consultant / Editor Softwood markets throughout the Midwest region continue to reflect stable demand and seasonal buying patterns. While many are not reporting the kind of activity associated with peak building seasons, most sources describe business as steady, with transportation costs […]

West Coast Business Trends Trying To Find Stability In Upside-Down Market By Zach Miller At the time of this writing lumber prices across the U.S. could be described best as flat.  Weak demand plus a host of issues, including rising fuel costs, tariff uncertainty, and overall cost of harvesting and manufacturing the fiber, the economics […]

Southeast Business Trends A Steady Southeastern Market Despite Setbacks By Lara StearsmanAssociate Editor Southeastern sources reported that while the market may be experiencing slow improvements, labor and transportation during the fuel crisis are still spots of worry. Some hold out hope that the remodeling sector will increase in activity, driving up their profits, while another […]

Ontario/Quebec Business Trends Canada Lumber Industry Navigates Challenges Richard LipmanGuest Writer Trade issues continue to impact eastern Canadian lumber producers, and the efforts of both industry and government to plan for the future continue in earnest. The Quebec summer construction holiday is fast approaching, starting in mid-July for 2 weeks. During this break, nearly all […]