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Business Trends

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Quebec Business Trends April 2026 – Stakeholders Caution That Trade Wars With U.S. Likely Far From Over

Quebec Business Trends April 2026 – Stakeholders Caution That Trade Wars With U.S. Likely Far From Over Production of hardwoods have declined due to lower demand on markets, and also to snowy and cold temperatures that hit through January and February, causing some temporary shut downs to businesses. With Chinese New Year celebrations taking place […]

Mixed Markets As 2026 Approaches Spring

Mixed Markets As 2026 Approaches Spring January and February production declined due to unfavorable market conditions as well as to very cold and heavy snow storm conditions in most provinces and along the eastern U.S. border states, making it difficult for logging companies, sawmills, distribution yards and secondary manufacturers. Several contacts stated being hopeful for […]

Northeast Business Trends

Northeast Business Trends A Slow Yet Unsteady Northeast By Cadance JohnsonContributing Writer The consensus from lumber sources in the Northeast carrying a variety of softwood products and selling to different markets is that the market is slow overall, many saying “quiet.” While the winter storm many weeks ago halted progress, the weather isn’t the sole […]

Inland West Business Trends

Inland West Business Trends An Inland West Market Short Of Expectations  Terry Miller President Inland West softwood suppliers described a market that is steady, with activity levels improving from late last year but still short of early expectations. In Utah, a supplier handling Ponderosa Pine boards in all common grades, Ponderosa Pine shop, and mixed […]

Midwest Business Trends

Midwest Business Trends The Midwest Market Picks Up Chris FehrMarketing Consultant / Editor Softwood suppliers in the Midwest described a market that began the year on solid footing before winter weather temporarily interrupted momentum. Activity has since evened out, and most participants characterize conditions as steady, with buyers remaining engaged but disciplined. In Missouri, a […]

West Coast Business Trends

West Coast Business Trends A Tight And Challenging West Coast Market Zach Miller The North American lumber market is trying to find its footing as winter weather persists in most of the U.S. and Provinces. Historically this time of year coincides with slower construction and renovation activity and 2026 is proving no different. Unfortunately, this […]

Southeast Business Trends

Southeast Business Trends Tariff Troubles, Economic Unease And Alligators With Earmuffs By Lara StearsmanAssociate Editor While the Southeastern softwood lumber markets have long recovered from the storm, the shipping proved challenging. “The markets are split,” reported one Louisiana source. “They’re in pockets so we might see some business come back but there are a few […]

Ontario/Quebec Business Trends

Ontario/Quebec Business Trends Ontario Juggles Tariffs, Slow Housing And Aboriginal Lawsuits Richard LipmanGuest Writer Big picture developments continue to dominate the news and people’s thoughts and actions. According to a producer in Quebec, “the CMHC (Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp.) is saying the pace of homebuilding in Canada continues to slow, with no near-term sign […]

West Coast Business Trends March 2026 – Firm Orders Could Help The West Coast Shape-Up

West Coast Business Trends March 2026 – Firm Orders Could Help The West Coast Shape-Up Lumber sources across the West Coast described a generally slow but stabilizing hardwood market, with most activity continuing to move order-to-order. While overall volume remains soft, sources said inquiries and quoted projects are giving them cautious optimism moving into early […]

Southeast Business Trends March 2026 – An Uncertain Southeastern Spring

Southeast Business Trends March 2026 – An Uncertain Southeastern Spring No source was able to provide a prediction for the remainder of 2026, just hope that demand would increase despite consumer concerns and export issues. Many found the market’s bottom and have done all they can to stay afloat. A lumber representative in North Carolina […]