The US exported 879,332.3 metric tons of wood pellets in December, down from 973,783.9 metric tons in November, Biomass Magazine and the USDA reported.
Wood Markets News
US Mortgage Rates Fall for Second Consecutive Week in the Week Ending February 6
The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.89%, down from last week when it averaged 6.95%, Freddie Mac reported.
US Mortage Delinquency Rate Increases in Q4
The delinquency rate for mortgage loans on one-to-four-unit residential properties increased in Q4, MBA reported.
US Weekly Initial Jobless Claims Increase in the Week Ending February 1
The advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial unemployment claims was 219,000, an increase of 11,000 from the previous week’s revised total.
Private Sector Job Cuts Increase Month-Over-Month in January
US-based employers announced 49,795 job cuts in January, a 28.0% increase from the 38,792 cuts announced in December, CG&C reported.
University of Arkansas to Host Mass Timber Exhibition Through March
The University will host “Tall Timber: The Future of Cities in Wood,” an exhibition highlighting the use of mass timber in multi-story buildings.
Enviva to Close Its Biomass Facility in Amory, MS, on February 7
Enviva will close its biomass plant in Amory, Mississippi, effective Friday, February 7, the Monroe Journal reported.
CPKC and United Steelworkers Reach Tentative Agreement
CPKC has reached a tentative four-year collective agreement with United Steelworkers, which represents approximately 600 clerical and intermodal employees in Canada.
84 Lumber Opens New Truss Plant in Bloomsburg, PA
84 Lumber has expanded its component manufacturing after acquiring a new facility in Pennsylvania. The plant will primarily construct roof trusses.
Ireland Will No Longer Accept Scottish Logs Due to Larch Bark Beetle Concerns
Ireland has updated its policy on the acceptance of Scottish logs due to the potential presence of larch bark beetles.