Russia’s lumber output fell to 28.48 million cubic meters in 2025, 2–3 million cubic meters below its 2019 peak, Wood & Panel Europe reported.
Wood Markets News
Chinese Glulam Producers Expand Use of Canadian Species Beyond Douglas Fir
Chinese manufacturers are producing glulam using Canadian species including hem-fir and yellow cedar, expanding options beyond Douglas fir, Canadian Forest Industries reported.
CMHC Housing Market Outlook for 2026
CMHC forecasts Canada’s economy will grow just 0.7% in 2026, with trade conditions weighing on growth and new-home construction expected to fall through 2028.
US Mortgage Credit Availability Index Rises in January
The MBA Mortgage Credit Availability Index rose 1.1% to 105.9 in January.
US Wood Pellet Exports Increase in November
US wood pellet exports totaled 891,093.3 metric tons in November 2025, up from 814,292.2 metric tons in October, the USDA and Biomass Magazine reported.
Michigan Mass Timber Catalyst Program Awards $350,000 to Nine Projects
Michigan’s Mass Timber Catalyst Program awarded $350,000 and technical support to nine projects, with a new $50,000 funding round open for the Upper Peninsula.
NFIB Small Business Optimism Index Slips in January
The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index slipped 0.2 points to 99.3 in January but stayed above its 52-year average, as uncertainty among owners increased.
Fannie Mae Expands Multifamily Lending Volume in 2025
Fannie Mae provided about $74 billion in multifamily financing in 2025, up 34% from 2024 and marking its highest annual volume since 2020.
UC Berkeley Boosts Dowel-Laminated Timber Manufacturing in California
UC Berkeley is supporting Mad River Mass Timber’s commercial manufacturing of dowel-laminated timber panels using low-grade, small-diameter, and fire-damaged wood.
FT Board Plans New Particleboard Production Facility in Lithuania
ILTE approved a record €150 million loan for FT Board to build a €200 million particleboard plant in Lithuania.