FEA’s Paul Jannke offers clarifications around the timing of the US Department of Commerce’s final determinations for the new Canadian softwood lumber duties.
Wood Markets News
USDA to Invest $23 Million to Boost Timber Production and Reduce Wildfire Risk
The USDA announced $23 million in grants to support transporting hazardous fuels—such as dead or downed trees—from national forests to processing facilities.
US New-Home Prices Fall in Q1 While Existing-Home Prices Rise
The median price for a new single-family home sold in Q1 was $416,900, according to the Census Bureau, NAR, and NAHB.
Canadian Lumber Production Falls 4.8% in February
Canadian lumber production decreased 4.8% in February to 3,686.8 thousand cubic meters. Year-over-year, production was down 15.3%.
Metsä Fibre Starts Negotiations on Possible Layoffs at Its Sawmill in Rauma, Finland
Metsä Fiber will start change negotiations on possible temporary layoffs at its Rauma sawmill and Joutseno and Rauma pulp mills.
Georgia-Pacific Announces Immediate Closure of Its Emporia, VA, Plywood Facility
Normal operations ceased on May 2, and the site will be permanently closed on July 1.
Langston Lumber Installs New End-Dogging Scragg Mill in Arkansas
Arkansas-based Langston Lumber has installed a new end-dogging scragg mill from Baker, equipped with vertical edgers, Pallet Enterprise reported.
Several Overwintering Wildfires Are Becoming More Active in Northern BC
The BC Wildfire Service said several overwintering fires in Northern BC have become more active and are producing smoke, Castanet reported.
US Labor Costs Increase Modestly in Q1
US labor costs increased moderately in Q1 as economic uncertainty caused by tariffs cools demand for labor, Reuters reported.
Metsä Group to Build R&D Lab for Veneer-Based Wood Products in Finland
The laboratory is expected to be completed by the end of 2025, and the investment value is approximately EUR 6 million.