The Canadian government said it will pursue challenges to recent increases to softwood lumber duties by the United States, The Canadian Press reported.
Wood Markets News
Mortgage Credit Availability in August Reaches Highest Level Since July 2022
The MBA Mortgage Credit Availability Index increased 0.9% to a reading of 99.0 in August.
Russia’s Segezha Group Aims to Expand Exports to India
Top management of the Segezha Group considers India as one of the most attractive and promising areas for business, the company said in a September 6th press release.
US Asking Rents Increase 0.9% Annually in August
The median US asking rent rose 0.9% year-over-year in August to $1,645—the biggest annual increase since April 2023—Redfin reported.
NFIB Small Business Optimism Index Declines in August, Erasing July’s Gains
The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index decreased by 2.5 points to a reading of 91.2 in August, erasing July’s gains.
Georgia-Pacific Modifies Lumber Operations in Camden, TX, and Prosperity, SC
Over the next couple of months, these sites will discontinue lumber production from logs while maintaining plywood core sawing operations, The Lufkin Daily News reported.
Fannie Mae Home Purchase Sentiment Index® Inches Higher in August Thanks to Lower Mortgage Rates
The HPSI increased 0.6 points to a reading of 72.1 in August, as consumers reported greater optimism about the future direction of mortgage rates despite showing little change in overall homebuying sentiment.
Nonresidential Employment Increases in August, but Builder Confidence Continues to Waiver
Nonresidential construction employment increased by a net 28,300 positions August, with growth in all three subcategories, ABC reported.
One of Europe’s Largest Hybrid Timber Buildings Nears Completion
Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) said the Luxembourg Airport’s Skypark Business Centre (SBC) is almost fully enclosed and on track to open in the coming months, Wood Central reported.
US National Interagency Fire Center Wildfire Update as of September 9th
As of Monday, 67 large active wildfires are being managed with full suppression strategies nationwide. Current wildfires have burned 2,146,170 acres.