According to data from the Mortgage Bankers Association’s Weekly Mortgage Application Survey, for the week ending January 6, 2023, the Market Composite Index (a measure of mortgage loan application volume) increased 1.2% on a seasonally adjusted basis from one week earlier.
Wood Markets News
Fierce Dry Lightning Storm Sparks Dozens of Bushfires in Western Australia
On Monday, a fierce summer dry lightning storm struck southern Western Australia with an estimated 300,000 lightning strikes. As a result, dozens of bushfires have been sparked and a large response of firefighters and emergency crews, aided by aerial support, is currently underway.
LEVER Architecture’s Mass Timber Design Selected for Portland Museum of Art Expansion
Among a total of 104 worldwide entries, LEVER Architecture’s mass timber design has been selected over three other international semifinalist teams to design an expansion of the Portland Museum of Art in Maine’s largest City.
The NFIB’s Small Business Optimism Index Declined Again in December
The National Federation of Independent Business, one of the largest small business associations in the US, reported on Tuesday its NFIB Small Business Optimism Index (SBOI) for December 2022. The December SBOI declined 2.1 points to a reading of 89.8.
Consumer Credit Debt on the Rise as Credit Card Interest Rates Set New Records
The US Federal Reserve on Monday released its latest G.19 Consumer Credit Report. Consumer credit outstanding grew to 7.1% (SAAR) in November, after climbing 7.4% SAAR in October. Revolving debt—which consists primarily of credit card debt—increased at a 16.9% rate.
West Fraser Announces Indefinite Curtailment of Its Perry Sawmill in Florida
West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. announced today that it will indefinitely curtail its Perry Sawmill in Florida later this month. The company says the move is due to high fiber costs and softening lumber markets. The curtailment will reduce its US lumber production by 100 million board feet.
Skeena Sawmill Terrace, BC, Facility Announces 3-Week Log Intake Embargo
Citing the high cost of logs and other factors impacting its business, Skeena Sawmills announced in a press release that it had stopped receiving logs at its Terrace, BC, sawmill facility starting on Friday, January 6, 2023. The log intake embargo is scheduled to last three weeks.
Peak North America USA Announces $24 Million Project in Mobile County, Alabama
Peak North America USA, a provider of construction, installation, fabrication, and manufacturing services for the forest products industry, announced on Monday (1-9-23) a new $24 million project to open a facility in Mobile County’s Irvington community.
USDA Announces Appointment of Four Members to Serve on the Softwood Lumber Board
The US Department of Agriculture announced on Monday the appointment of four members to serve on the Softwood Lumber Board. Each appointee will serve a three-year term, effective immediately, through December 31, 2025. The Softwood Lumber Board is comprised of 14 members.
Masisa S.A. Announces Exit From Argentina
Masisa S.A., a wood products company headquartered in Chile, announced on December 29, 2022, that it had liquidated all of its assets in Argentina and was immediately ceasing all of its operations there. Masisa S.A. indicated the liquidation was part of its strategic plan.