Canfor Corporation announced on Wednesday (12-29-21) that their Houston, B.C. mill, which has been dealing with cutbacks as a result of challenging market conditions since late summer, will resume full operations effective Monday, January 23, 2022. According to Rosemary Silva, Canfor’s External Relations Senior Advisor, “Currently, we have limited staff performing special projects and preparatory maintenance work…”
News in lumber
Increased Russian Lumber Export Duties Are Now in Effect
Russia enacts higher export duties on minimally processed lumber.
China Updates Phytosanitary Requirements for Pine Log and Lumber Imports
China Customs released new phytosanitary rules on importing pine logs and lumber from 7 countries due to pine nematode concerns. The new rules include an updated list of designated Chinese ports pine logs and lumber can be imported starting February 1st, 2022.
Canada Officially Challenges US Duties on Canadian Softwood Lumber Under USMCA Trade Agreement
The Canadian government, in a statement released on Tuesday (12-21-21) by Canadian Trade Minister Mary Ng, said that Canada has filed an official notice to challenge U.S. duties on Canadian softwood lumber under the US-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) trade agreement. The United States nearly doubled duties on softwood lumber exported from Canada in November.
Teal Jones to Build New Sawmill Facility in Bossier Parish, Louisiana
Teal Jones, a 70-year-old, family-owned company based in British Columbia, Canada, today announced that the company is looking forward to bringing a $110.5 million Southern Yellow Pine lumber mill to Bossier Parish, Louisiana. To become a reality, the company is pursuing a payment in lieu of taxes agreement with local taxing entities. Teal Jones expects to source southern yellow pine timber from their landowner partners in this project, as well as other regional suppliers.
Canfor Corporation Announces Purchase of Millar Western Forest Products’ Alberta Assets
Canfor Corporation on Thursday (12-16-21) announced it has entered into an agreement with Millar Western Forest Products Ltd. to acquire the Millar’s solid wood operations located in Alberta, Canada, and associated tenure for $420 million (CAD), which includes $56 million in working capital. Millar Western’s solid wood operations will add 630 million board feet of production capacity.
West Fraser Completes Acquisition of Angelina Forest Products Lumber Mill
West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. announced (12-1-21) that it will close on the acquisition of the Angelina Forest Products lumber mill located in Lufkin, Texas today. The company said that it has completed the U.S. regulatory review and other conditions have been satisfied.
West Fraser Announces Reduction in Operations at Multiple Locations in Western Canada
West Fraser has announced that while the magnitude and duration of the impact from current weather events remains uncertain, it has reduced operating schedules at multiple western Canadian locations and will continue to make such adjustments as necessary in order to manage inventory levels, raw material supplies and our integrated fiber supply chain.
U.S. Department of Commerce Releases Final Determination for the Second Administrative Review
On November 24, 2021 the U.S. Department of Commerce released its final determination of the antidumping and countervailing duty rates on softwood lumber imports from Canada. The rates (below) will take effect once published in the federal register, which is expected to occur on November 30, 2021.
Interfor Corporation Announces Agreement to Purchase EACOM Timber Corporation
Interfor Corporation announced on Tuesday, November 23, 2021 that it has reached an agreement with an affiliate of Kelso & Company to acquire 100% of the equity and interests of EACOM Timber Corporation. The purchase price is C$490 million on a cash and debt-free basis, which includes C$120 million of net working capital.