Industry groups at a USTR hearing urged targeted USMCA updates, citing concerns over transshipment, weak rules of origin, and tariff circumvention, according to Holland & Knight.
News in lumber
Western Forest Products Extends Chemainus, BC, Curtailment Into 2026
WFP’s Chemainus curtailment will extend into the new year, with additional December downtime planned across several Vancouver Island mills, CHEK News reported.
Canadian Sawmill Production and Shipments Increase in September
Canadian sawmill production rose 2.3% in September, while shipments increased 14.4% from August.
Domtar to Temporarily Curtail All North American Lumber Production
Domtar Wood Products will temporarily curtail all lumber production, cutting 100 million board feet of output in Q4.
Fire Damages Tolko’s Sawmill in Williams Lake, BC
A Sunday fire damaged an exterior wall and electrical components at Tolko’s Lakeview sawmill in Williams Lake, BC, MyCaribooNow reported.
Lawmakers Seek to Reauthorize Low-Interest Timber Loan Program
US lawmakers introduced the SAWMILL Act to reauthorize TPEP, offering low-interest, long-term loans for timber and wood processing companies, HBSDealer reported.
Canada Unveils New Support for Lumber Industry
Prime Minister Mark Carney announced new federal measures to support Canada’s lumber industry, including CA$500 million in loan guarantees, AP reported.
Conifex to Curtail Operations at Its Mackenzie, BC, Sawmill for Four Weeks
Conifex will curtail operations at its Mackenzie, BC, sawmill for four weeks starting December 15, citing weak lumber markets, lower SPF prices, and higher US duties.
Shawano County, WI, Sawmill to Reopen and Expand With USDA Loan
TPCE will reopen and expand the former Hoffman Wood Fiber sawmill in Shawano County with an $800,000 USDA loan, WAOW reported.
Canadian Industrial Product and Raw Materials Price Indices for October
The Industrial Product Price Index rose 1.5% in October, including a 6.9% increase for softwood lumber.