The number of open construction sector jobs fell from a revised 286,000 in February to 248,000 in March, the BLS and NAHB reported.
Wood Markets News
US Green Building Council Launches New LEED Rating System for Sustainable Buildings
The US Green Building Council launched LEED v5, the latest version of its flagship Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design green building program.
US Job Openings and Labor Turnover Summary for March
As of the last business day in March, job openings were little changed at 7.2 million, but down 901,000 from a year earlier.
US Multifamily Rental Housing Completions Expected to Remain Elevated Through 2027
Yardi Matrix forecasts a slight increase in US multifamily rental housing completions for 2025–27 compared to the previous quarter’s outlook.
US Residential Vacancies and Homeownership Statistics for Q1
The national rental vacancy rate was 7.1%, while the homeowner vacancy rate was 1.1%, the US Census Bureau reported.
Poland’s State Forests Set to Reduce Timber Supply in Second Half of 2025
Polish Economic Chamber of Wood Industry released its analysis of anticipated timber sales conducted by Poland’s state forests for the first and second halves of 2025.
Canadian Payroll Employment Slips in February
Payroll employment decreased 0.3% (49,000) in February, following a 0.1% increase (14,400) in January. Year-over-year, payroll employment was up 0.7% (124,300).
US National Interagency Fire Center Wildfire Update as of April 25
26 large new fires were reported. There are a total of 64,619 acres burning, with 24 of the 26 wildfires partially contained.
Alberta’s Zavisha Sawmills Experiences Devastating Fire
A devastating fire on Saturday, April 19, destroyed the Zavisha Sawmills facility in Hines Creek, Alberta.
University of Michigan Releases Final Results of Its Consumer Sentiment Index for April
The Index of Consumer Sentiment declined to a reading of 52.2 in April, a month-over-month decline of 8.4% and a 32.4% decrease year-over-year.