New residential single-family home sales were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 682,000 in March, 7.4% above the February rate.
Wood Markets News
Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity Points to Slowing Growth Into Early 2027
The LIRA forecasts annual growth in homeowner remodeling spending will slow to 0.5% by 2027Q1, with total expenditures reaching about $523 billion.
US Job Openings and Labor Turnover Summary for March
US job openings were little changed at 6.9 million in March, while hires rose to 5.6 million and separations held at 5.4 million.
Sweden’s JGA Sawmill Group Receives Expanded Production Permit
JGA’s new production permit allows annual output of up to 400,000 cubic meters of sawn timber at its Linneryd facility in Sweden.
Russia’s Forestry Industry Remains Under Pressure from Sanctions and Aging Machinery
Russia’s timber volumes for sale fell 10% in 2025 to 176 million cubic meters, the weakest level since the start of the war in Ukraine.
Conifex to Temporarily Curtail Mackenzie, BC, Sawmill
Conifex will curtail operations at its Mackenzie, BC, sawmill for about seven weeks starting May 19, citing fiber constraints and seasonal logging conditions.
US Housing Share of GDP Falls Below 16% in Q1
US housing’s share of GDP fell to 15.9% in Q1, dropping below 16% for the first time since 2019, the BEA and NAHB reported.
European Commission Says EUDR Simplification Cuts Compliance Costs by 75%
The European Commission said EUDR simplification measures have cut compliance costs by about 75%, while maintaining the regulation’s scope and timeline.
Strait of Hormuz Closure Disrupts Timber Supply Chain
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz is disrupting timber supply chains, Robbert Jan Dekker, director of Dutch Royal Deckker, said.
Brazilian Exports of Wood-Based Products Fall in March
Brazilian exports of wood-based products (excluding pulp and paper) totaled $226.1 million in March, down 34% from a year earlier, ITTO reported.