The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index increased 2.2 points to a reading of 93.7. The last time the SBOI was this high was in February 2022.
Wood Markets News
UMaine Experiments With 3D Printed Floor Panels Made With Wood Residuals
The Oak Ridge National Laboratory and UMaine are leading new research into floor cassettes made using recyclable natural materials, according Archinect.
CPKC and CN Plan Lockouts If No Agreement, Or Binding Arbitration, Is Accepted By Teamsters Canada Before August 22nd
CPKC plans to notify Teamsters Canada of its plan to lock out employees on August 22nd if union leadership and CPKC are unable to come to a negotiated settlement or agree to binding arbitration.
Value of Canadian Building Permits Shrinks in June, Marking Second Consecutive Decline
The total value of building permits in Canada fell 13.9% to $9.9 billion (CAD) in June, extending the decline observed in May.
UK Timber Imports Hit Year-to-Date High in May
May was the best month of 2024 for timber import volumes at 897,000 cubic meters, TDUK reported.
Rent Growth Slows as Additional Multifamily Units are Completed
More new multifamily units were completed in June than in any month since the 1970s.
US National Interagency Fire Center Wildfire Update as of August 12th
As of August 12th, 78 large wildfires are being managed with full suppression strategies. Current fires have burned 2,404,053 acres.
Interfor Announces Additional Curtailments for Remainder of the Year
Interfor announced its Q2 earnings on Thursday, which included a list of updated and additional planned production curtailments.
Canadian Labor Board Clears Way for Rail Strike if No Agreement is Reached by August 22nd
A strike or lockout at CPKC and CN could occur as soon as Thursday, August 22nd, Reuters reported.
Canadian Construction Price Indices Rise in Q2
Residential building construction costs increased 0.8% in Q2, following a 1.0% increase in Q1. Nonresidential building construction costs rose 1.1%, following a 1.0% increase in Q1.