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.
Wood Markets News
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.
Higher Lumber Prices Could Slow Housing Growth
Since mid-April 2020, the average lumber prices have surged an amazing 80%. Moving from a low of $348 per thousand board feet (MBM) to $ 627 MBM as of July 31st.
Canadian Housing Starts Jump 16% in July
The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. (CMHC) is reporting that the annual pace of housing starts in July rose nearly 16% when compared with June.