West Coast Business Trends

At the time of this writing, West Coast producers are struggling with high log costs and lack of high-grade fi- ber. Labor seems to always be an issue and framing prices currently remain flat, however there are some bright spots. West Coast producers are chugging along and looking forward to a busier second half of […]

Southeast Business Trends

Throughout the Southeast region, lumber suppliers had mixed reviews when asked about how their market was faring at the time of this writing. A lumber salesman, when asked about the company’s South Carolina location, had the most positive response, saying, “It’s moderate.” Despite this, he claimed that they are doing worse than six months ago. […]

Lake States Business Trends – July 2024

Throughout the Lake States region lumber sources that were contacted all agreed that their markets had its strong points and its weak ones, too. In Michigan a lumberman said, at the time of this writing, that while his sales are about where they were six months ago, they have been hit or miss. His company […]

Northeast Business Trends – July 2024

Across the Northeast region, lumber sources provided varied responses but the majority, at the time of this writing, claim that there is an uptick in sales. In Pennsylvania, a concentration yard representative said that his sales have been mediocre but that “things are moving” and when asked to compare current sales to six months ago, […]

Southeast Business Trends – July 2024

Throughout the Southeast region, the reviews were mixed as to how the market was faring. Some sources said that the market was very challenging, while others said that it was just slightly better. In Arkansas, a lumber salesperson said that his market seemed to be improving. “It’s fairly soft for Hardwood lumber. Your usual customers […]

West Coast Business Trends – July 2024

Lumber providers across the West Coast region all had similar sentiments as to the health of their sales at the time of this writing. One source in California said, “While our business isn’t necessarily slow, it seems that our customers aren’t wanting to commit to orders unless they have an order on hand.” He noted […]

Ontario Business Trends – July 2024

Spring weather conditions were quite wet throughout most regions in late spring impacting log receipts and green production. However, according to published reports, logging activity during April was slightly better than compared to the same time last year. Demand for grade lumber and industrial products is down noted primary manufacturers. Many businesses in the Hardwood […]

Quebec Business Trends – July 2024

With summer upon us, and the construction break from July 21 to August 3, it will be a quieter time for the Hardwood industry at this time throughout the province. Ash supplies are low report sawmillers. The Emerald Ash Borer has caused this reduced availability and reportedly, the Chinese are also highly demanding Ash logs. […]

Lake States Business Trends – June 2024

Across the Lake States region lumber sources varied, with one source stating that while his sales are average, it does depend heavily on which species is being sold. In Michigan a lumber spokesperson said that his sales were doing OK at the time of this writing. “We were doing well six months ago, but I […]

Northeast Business Trends – June 2024

In the Northeast market, forest products industry contacts we spoke with all agreed that their business was steady but were split on whether they expect the market to improve or suffer over the next six months. Optimism about the health of the market can be credited to a steady growth in demand, while each industry […]