On Monday (5-2-22), the U.S. Census Bureau reported that total construction spending during March 2022 was estimated at a seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) of $1,730.5 billion, 0.1% above the revised February estimate of $1,728.6 billion. The March figure is 11.7% above the March 2021 estimate of $1,548.6 billion.
Wood Markets News
Brazilian Exports of Wood-Based Products Increased 30% Year-Over-Year in March 2022
According to the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO), in March 2022, the value of Brazilian exports of wood-based products (excluding pulp and paper) increased 30% in value compared to February 2021. Pine sawnwood exports grew significantly, rising 51% in value between March 2021 and March 2022.
An Analytical Look at Residential and Nonresidential Construction Spending in March 2022
A deeper dive into the U.S. Census Bureau’s Construction Spending report for March reveals that total private residential construction spending rose 1% in March after an increase of 0.7% in February. Spending stood at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $882 billion. Total private residential construction spending was 18.4% higher than a year ago.
Canadian GDP Increased 4.8% in 2021, as COVID-19 Restrictions Eased
Statistics Canada reported on Monday that real gross domestic product (GDP) increased in 11 out of 12 provinces and all 3-territories in 2021. The only exception was the province of Saskatchewan. This occurred as many parts of the Canadian economy continued to emerge from the significant economic contraction caused by the pandemic.
Mortgage Application Payment Index Rises 5.0% Month-Over-Month in March 2022
According to the Mortgage Banker Association’s (MBA) new Purchase Application Payment Index (PAPI), homebuyer affordability declined in March, with the national median payment applied for by applicants rising 5.0% from $1,653 in February to $1,736 in March. The PAPI measures how new monthly mortgage payments vary across time.
Canadian Real GDP Increased 1.1% in February 2022
Statistics Canada (StatsCan) reported today (4-29-22) that real gross domestic product (GDP) rose 1.1% in February, the largest monthly growth rate since March 2021. The increase was a result of broad-based increases across most sectors, which contributed to the ninth consecutive monthly expansion in economic output.
University of Michigan Final Consumer Sentiment Index for April 2022 Sees Surprising Gains
The University of Michigan today (4-29-22) released its final Consumer Sentiment Index (CSI) for April. The Index of Consumer Sentiment increased to a reading of 65.2, up from the March reading of 59.4. This is a month-over-month increase of 9.8% but down -26.2% year-over-year (88.3 in April 2021).
Personal Income, Disposable Income, and Personal Consumption Expenditures All Increased in March 2022
The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) reported on Friday (4-29-22) that personal income (PI) increased $107.2 billion (0.5%) in March, according to their estimates. Disposable personal income (DPI) increased $89.7 billion (0.5%). Personal consumption expenditures (PCE) increased $185.0 billion (1.1%).
New $200 Million State-Of-The-Art Sawmill Facility to Be Built in Amite County, Mississippi
Jackson, Mississippi-based CLAW Forestry Services, LLC., announced today (4-28-22) that an affiliate is going to be locating a state-of-the-art sawmill in Gloster, Amite Country, Mississippi. Construction of the new mill is scheduled to begin this summer, with lumber manufacturing starting in late 2023, or early 2024.
B.C. Government to Increase Revenue Sharing with First Nations on Stumpage and B.C. Timber Sales
The B.C. government announced on Wednesday (4-27-22) that it has increased the share of revenue that First Nations receive from forestry in their traditional territories. The share of revenue they currently receive is being increased as part of a longer-term revenue sharing model being co-developed by the province and First Nations.