Canadian housing starts fell 17% in October to 232,765 units (SAAR) as lower activity in Ontario and BC weighed on the total, CMHC reported.
Wood Markets News
Bergkvist Siljan to Close Sawmill in Mora, Sweden
Bergkvist Siljan will close its Mora sawmill after more than a century of production, citing market pressures and timber shortages, Skogsaktuellt reported.
UK’s National Timber Group Files Notice of Intention to Appoint Administrators
National Timber Group England and its parent company have filed notices of intention to appoint administrators while restructuring and other options are reviewed, TDUK reported.
Mercer Mass Timber Takes Lead Role in Alabama’s Largest Mass Timber Project
Mercer Mass Timber is leading fabrication of the new Cheaha State Park Lodge, expected to be Alabama’s largest mass timber project, the Alabama Political Reporter said.
Fraser Valley Real Estate Board Calls for Faster Prefab Housing Delivery in BC
The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board is calling for harmonized zoning, stronger financing tools, and a provincial procurement roadmap to speed prefab housing delivery across BC, BIV reported.
Interfor Partially Restarts Grand Forks, BC, Sawmill
Interfor has partially resumed operations at its Grand Forks, BC, sawmill after last month’s shutdown announcement, Trail Times reported.
US Construction Spending Edges Higher in August
US construction spending rose 0.2% in August to $2.17 trillion (SAAR), while the year-to-date total remained 1.8% below 2024 levels.
US New-Home Purchase Mortgage Applications Decrease in October
New-home purchase mortgage applications fell 1.0% in October and 2.6% year-over-year, MBA reported.
Canadian Consumer Price Index Rises 2.2% Year-Over-Year in October
Canada’s CPI rose 2.2% year-over-year in October, down from 2.4% in September.
Canadian Existing-Home Sales Edge Higher in October
Existing-home sales in Canada rose 0.9% in October as new listings fell and the sales-to-new listings ratio firmed to 52.2%, CREA reported.