The Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) has been working closely with the Canadian federal government to help form policies and programs to keep forest products businesses operating, workers safe and the essential products supply chain moving forward, during the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Wood Markets News
Higher Softwood Lumber Prices Push Building Materials Prices Higher in July
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is reporting that in July’s Producer Price Index (PPI) prices paid for goods used in residential construction continued their upward path, increasing by 1.8% (not seasonally adjusted).
German Log Exports Impacted by COVID-19 and Other Factors During First Half of 2020
The German log market has been extremely unpredictable during the first half of 2020. The year started with high demand from the export market and the supply of fresh green logs in tight supply.
Producer Price Index for Final Demand Increases in July
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is reporting that the Producer Price Index (PPI) for final demand increased to a seasonally adjusted 0.6% in July.
A Lack of Available Inventory Continues to Challenge Home Sales
According to Zillow, a Seattle Washington based online real estate database company, in their latest Zillow’s Weekly Market Report (ZWMR), pending home sales remain well above last year’s levels.
Extra Alarm Fire Damages Roseburg Forest Products Medford Oregon MDF Mill
A fire was discovered around 4:45 AM (PDT) on Tuesday August 11th, at Roseburg Forest Products, Medford Oregon, MDF plant.
Mercer Celgar Workers in Castlegar Return to Work
According to Rose Leslie, a spokesperson for Mercer Celgar, at least 215 of the workers laid off during the temporary shutdown of the Castlegar mill in the beginning of July, have returned to work as of July 31st.
No COVID-19 Cases Reported During British Columbia’s Seedling Planting Season
The Western Forestry Contractor Association (WFCA) is reporting that summer seedling planting season in British Columbia is in the process of winding down. There are just 20 million fall seedlings out of the 300 million trees planned for this year remaining to be planted.
Construction Activity Accelerated in July in the United Kingdom
Construction activity in the United Kingdom in July accelerated, led by another strong showing in housebuilding. New orders increased for the second month in a row, as lockdown measures eased, and jobsite activity was able to restart.
Canadian Consumer Confidence on the Rise
According to the Bloomberg Nanos Canadian Confidence Index, (BNCCI), a composite that measure the financial health and economic expectations, consumer sentiment in Canada turned positive for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began, with wide spread gains being experienced across regions and age groups.