Statistics Canada is reporting that Canadian retail sales plunged 10% in March. The result of officials shuttering non-essential business to slow the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Wood Markets News
After Four Straight Years of Decline Median Single-Family Size Increases in First Quarter of 2020
Over the past several years builders have been trying to construct more affordable – entry-level homes. In order to do that the size of the average starter home has been shrunk.
NAFTA Panel Affirms ITC’s Determination of U.S. Softwood Lumber Decision
In response to a 5-0 decision, in which a NAFTA panel affirmed an International Trade Commission’s (ITC) findings that the U.S. softwood lumber industry has been materially injured by Canadian subsidies to their forest products industry…
U.S. Imports of Tropical Hardwood Veneers Increases by 56% in March
According to a report issues by the International Tropical Timber Organization U.S. imports of tropical hardwood veneer recover from a dismal February as March imports rose by 56%.
Interfor Announces Upcoming Curtailment at Gilchrist Oregon Facility
Interfor Corporation has announced that due to a challenging economic situation, coupled with the difficulties presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, it is planning on curtailing operations at its Glichrist Oregon facility, starting in late June.
Townhouse Construction Flat in First Quarter of 2020
A closer look into the U.S. Census Bureau’s Quarterly Starts and Completions by Purpose and Design finds that townhouse construction, in the first quarter of 2020, was flat on a year-over-year basis.
Single-Family Homes Built-for-Rent Post Modest Gains in First Quarter of 2020
A deeper dive into the U.S. Census Bureau’s Quarterly Starts and Completions by Purpose and Design reveals a bright spot in the number of single-family homes built-for-rent.
Developers and Builders of Multifamily Housing Units Confidence Drop in First Quarter of 2020
According to the NAHB Multifamily Market Survey, as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, multifamily builders and developers confidence in their markets softened substantially in the first quarter of 2020.
FEA’s Weekly Order Survey Reports that Sales Remain Slow but Steady
Many dealers are reporting that in spite of a poor U.S. Housing Starts and Permits report for April, their sales remain slow but steady and showing some very small signs of improvement.
Weekly Jobless Claims Rise Another 2.438 Million for Week Ending May 16th
The U.S. Department of Labor is reporting that an additional 2.438 million Americans made their initial filing for unemployment benefits during the week ending on Saturday, May 16th.