Western Forest Products to Curtail BC Operations in Q4
Western Forest Products Announces Lumber Production Curtailments
On Tuesday, Western Forest Products (WFP) said it will temporarily curtail operations at its British Columbia sawmills during Q4. The move, combined with cuts already taken in Q3, will reduce production by about 50 million board feet in the second half of the year, or roughly 6% of annual capacity.
The company cited weak lumber markets, higher US softwood lumber duties imposed in August, and challenges in the BC operating environment. Contributing factors include limited economic log supply, delays in harvesting permits, and a strike at the La-kwa sa muqw Forestry Limited Partnership.
The temporary curtailments will be managed through reduced operating hours, extended holiday downtime, and shift adjustments. The Chemainus sawmill, already down through Q3, will remain idled through Q4. The company said it will continue monitoring market and log supply conditions to adjust operations as needed.
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