Business Trends

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, […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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. […]

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 […]

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 […]

Throughout the Southeast region lumber sources that were contacted, at the time of this writing, agreed that their sales are heavily dependent on the species being sold. In Louisiana a lumber man said that overall, his sales are tough. “It’s hard to make money on Red Oak right now, but of course White Oak is […]

Hardwood suppliers on the West Coast mostly accounted for positive activity. One contact in California mentioned activity was back to pre-covid “normal” levels. “Our business along with our customers is back to a steady pace,” he explained. “The customers that we had that were steady are back to that pace and the ones that were […]

Contacts noted prices had risen for kiln-dried lumber as recently as March compared to a year ago for Basswood, Red Oak, Hard and Soft Maple. The species that were reported to be doing well during early spring were Hard Maple, Soft Maple, White Oak and Walnut. Aspen, Basswood, Beech, and to a latter extent Birch […]