Statistics Canada reported Tuesday that the total value of building permits in Canada advanced 8.6% to $10.7 billion (CAD) in February. Seven provinces reported monthly increases. On a constant dollar basis (2012=100), the total value of building permits rose 8.2% to $6.4 billion.
Wood Markets News
Stora Enso Completes Divestment of Its Paper Production Site in Hylte, Sweden
Stora Enso today reported that it has completed its previously announced (January 27th) divestment of its paper production site in Hylte, Sweden, to Sweden Timber. Sweden Timber is a Sweden-based sawmill and planing mill company.
BC Government Introduces Multibillion-Dollar Plan to Help Alleviate Housing Shortage
The British Columbia provincial government has introduced a multibillion-dollar plan to construct more homes as quickly as possible in the hopes of alleviating the current housing crisis, according to CKPGToday. The “Homes for People” plan starts with a $4-billion investment over three years.
Job Openings and Labor Turnover Summary Released for February
On Wednesday, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the Job Openings and Labor Turnover Summary (JOLTS) for February. As of the last business day in February the number and rate of job openings declined to 9.9 million (a loss of 632,000) and 6.0%, respectively.
Baltimore’s Blueprint Robotics Announces Plans to Build Second Component Plant in Windsor, CT
Baltimore, Maryland-based Blueprint Robotics, which manufactures wood frame components used in the construction of multifamily housing, has announced its intention to build a second components production facility in Windsor, Connecticut, according to “CT Insider.”
US Construction Spending Falls 0.1% Month-Over-Month in February
On Monday, the US Census Bureau reported that total construction spending during February was estimated at a seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) of $1,844.1 billion, 0.1% below the revised January estimate of $1,845.4 billion.
Brazilian Exports of Wood-Based Products Declined Month-Over-Month and Year-Over-Year in February
According to the International Tropical Timber Organization, Brazilian exports of wood-based products (except pulp and paper) declined 36.0% year-over-year in value in February, from US$413.6 million a year ago to US$264.2 million in February.
US National Interagency Fire Center Wildfire Update for the Week Ending March 31st
The US National Interagency Fire Center is reporting that as of Friday, wildfire activity is currently occurring in the Southern and Southwest areas, with 18 large new fires underway. Active wildfires are burning on approximately 11,919 acres, with 15 of the 18 large wildfires contained.
Homebuyer Demand Reaches Highest Level Since May 2022, But Availability Remains Tight
Redfin is reporting that house hunters are returning to the market as mortgage rates and prices continue to decline. Mortgage-purchase applications increased for the fourth consecutive week, and Redfin’s Homebuyer Demand Index is at its highest level since May 2022.
New Zealand’s OneFortyOne Turning Huge Volumes of Unwanted Forestry Slash Into Biofuel
New Zealand forestry and timber company OneFortyOne is tackling the country’s nationwide problem of managing forestry slash waste by turning it into biofuel, according to an article by the company appearing in “Stuff.” The challenge became particularly acute after Cyclone Gabrielle in February.