BC and China signed a five-year MOU to promote modern wood construction and mass timber, The Canadian Press reported.
Wood Markets News
Trading With Iran Raises Risk of New US Tariffs on Brazil
Brazil’s trade ties with Iran are drawing scrutiny after President Trump warned of 25% US tariffs on countries doing business with Tehran, Reuters reported.
Fire Damages West Fraser’s Blue Ridge Lumber Sawmill in Alberta
A fire damaged West Fraser’s Blue Ridge Lumber sawmill in Alberta on January 10, with repairs expected to take several months, the Whitecourt Star reported.
US Remodeler Sentiment Improves in Q4
The NAHB Remodeling Market Index rose 4 points to 64 in 2025Q4, supported by solid demand despite costs and uncertainty.
US Building Material Prices Rise 4.2% Year-Over-Year in November
Building material prices rose 4.2% year-over-year in November 2025, the BLS and NAHB reported.
30-Year US Mortgage Rate Falls to Lowest Level in More Than Three Years
The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.06% in the week ending January 15, down from 6.16% the prior week, Freddie Mac reported.
US Weekly Initial Jobless Claims Fall in the Week Ending January 10
The advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial unemployment claims was 198,000, a decrease of 9,000 from the previous week.
Canadian Existing-Home Sales Fall in December
Existing-home sales in Canada fell 2.7% in December 2025 as new listings declined and the sales-to-new listings ratio edged lower, CREA reported.
Domtar to Cut Lumber Production by 150 Million Board Feet in Q1
Domtar said it will cut lumber production by 150 million board feet in Q1 across its QC, ON, and US sawmills amid weak demand, tariffs, and economic uncertainty.
US Existing-Home Sales Climb 5.1% in December
Existing-home sales rose 5.1% in December 2025 to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.35 million but were down 1.4% from a year earlier, NAR reported.