Business Trends

West Coast Business Trends February 2026 – West Coast Commitment Issues Hardwood market activity in the West Coast remains cautious, with suppliers in Washington and California reporting tepid buying behavior, steady transportation conditions and limited forward commitments. Across the region, activity is being shaped less by supply constraints and more by uncertainty among customers who […]

Southeast Business Trends February 2026 – Will Hopes Or Fears For 2026 Be Fulfilled? Lumber sources share concerns about the younger generation’s lack of interest in the lumber industry and state their lack of knowledge can’t supplant the generation aging out of the workforce.  Overall, they said the market is down but somewhat stable for […]

Northeast Business Trends February 2026 – A New Year With Old Challenges Northeastern hardwood lumber representatives reported that tariffs, high inventory, low demand and labor struggles are causing challenges. Despite difficulties, they hope for improvement. The market, according to one Maryland lumber source, is average. “We’re trying to get some business out here on our […]

Lake States Business Trends February 2026 – Wintertime Woes Coupled With Springtime Expectations Hardwood markets across the Lake States remain steady but restrained, with suppliers describing seasonal softness, cautious customer behavior and repeat business. While activity has not fallen off sharply, most buyers are limiting exposure and ordering only what is needed for current production. […]

Lake States Business Trends January 2026 – The Lake States Settle For A Stable, Long Winter’s Nap Activity across the Lake States region continues to hold steady, even if no one would describe the current pace as booming. Most suppliers say business is moving at a manageable rate, with a familiar mix of species strengths […]

Southeast Business Trends January 2026 – A Southeast Softened By Caution Hardwood markets across the Southeast remain soft. Contacts in Arkansas, North Carolina and Tennessee described activity as steady in spots but generally limited, with most buyers taking a cautious approach while waiting for clearer signals from housing and downstream markets. Several suppliers said that […]

Northeast Business Trends January 2026 – New Hopes For The New Year And Concerns Carrying Over Most Northeastern hardwood lumber sources reported that the market in their regions, at the time of this writing, has improved compared to six months ago. Many also cited an increase in exporting, especially to China for Red Oak and […]

West Coast Business Trends January 2026 – Long-Term Planning An Impossibility On The West Coast? Hardwood markets across the West Coast remain uneven, with contacts in California and Oregon describing a business environment that has been difficult to predict and harder to staff. While a range of species including Walnut, Hickory, Red and White Oak […]

Ontario Business Trends January 2026 – Strengthening The Forestry Sector And Budgeting For The New Year With the holiday season behind us, and a new year begins, businesses are reviewing and taking stock of their business plans and developing new opportunities for the coming year despite the many challenges and uncertainty of global markets we […]

Quebec Business Trends January 2026 – Post Holiday Hesitation With the holiday period behind us, some contacts reported sales to be lackluster. Businesses hesitate to increase production, while suppliers delay in building their inventory as there is a lack of confidence on what prices and demand will be like in the coming months. Some report […]