West Fraser announced that it will close its sawmill in Maxville, Florida, and indefinitely curtail operations at its sawmill in Huttig, Arkansas, by the end of the month.
Wood Markets News
Canadian Building-Permit Values Decline in November
The total monthly value of building permits in Canada decreased 3.9% month-over-month to $10.9 billion (CAD) in November.
Mortgage Credit Availability Tightens in December
The Mortgage Bankers Association Mortgage Credit Availability Index (MCAI) decreased 4.6% to a reading of 92.1 in December.
New Pilot Project in BC Aims to Rehabilitate Wildfire-Impacted Forests
To help meet the continuing challenges facing BC’s forest industry Central Chilcotin Rehabilitation Ltd. (CCR) aims to rehabilitate wildfire-affected forests.
US Total Consumer Credit Outstanding Increases in November
In November, total consumer credit outstanding reached a seasonally adjust annual rate (SAAR) of $5.00 trillion for the first time, the Fed and NAHB reported.
NFIB Small Business Optimism Index Improves Modestly in December, but Owners’ Concerns Persist
The National Federation of Independent Business Small Business Optimism Index increased 1.3 points to a reading of 91.9 in December.
Metsä Group Announces Plans to Close Its Merikarvia, Finland, Sawmill Later This Year
Metsä Group intends to discontinue sawn timber production at its Merikarvia, Finland, facility by the end of the summer of 2024.
Poland Halts Logging in 10 of Its Oldest Forests
Poland has ordered a state-run company that manages more than 7 million hectares of the country’s forests to halt logging in the 10 oldest areas, Reuters reported.
Fannie Mae Home Purchase Sentiment Index Gets a Boost From Lower Mortgage Rates in December
The Fannie Mae Home Purchase Sentiment Index® increased 2.9 points in December to a reading of 67.2. Year-over-year, the full HPSI was up 6.2 points.
State-Level Analysis of Construction Employment in November
In November, construction sector jobs—including both residential and nonresidential—increased month-over-month in 27 states and declined in 20 states and the District of Columbia, NAHB reported.