Northeast Business Trends 2025 – Trailer Trials, Lacking Labor And Tariff Tensions
Uncertainty, labor and pricing are the main concerns for lumber representatives across the Northeast in the hardwood industry.
In Pennsylvania, the market is “steady but the pricing is low. I can move material,” said the lumber source.
Compared to six months ago, the market has “picked up a little bit. It comes and goes with the tariffs. Everything is messed up.”
Red and White Oak, Soft Maple, Hickory and Birch in 4/4, 5/4 and No. 2 Common & Better are what they offer. Red and White Oak are their main species but White Oak is the bestseller.
While they don’t export, they sell to companies “that dry and resell the products. My customers do a lot of exporting but are up in the air when it comes to understanding what is going on,” he said.
They have their own transportation, and they usually transport their products within the state.
“So far, so good” was his response when asked about labor. “It’s not the best, but it’s doable. I would like more qualified people, but the work is hard and McDonald’s pays more than a lumber green chain.
“We could use better pricing and an improved economy. It’s a tough battle and we need more manufacturing here. A few years ago, I read that only 51 percent of our lumber is used domestically. That’s not good,” he said.
He shared learning about a process from two different sources, during which boards are shrink-wrapped and shipped in refrigerated containers. “People will ship lumber to Vietnam. Then, China sends people to Vietnam to cut the logs, put them back together and shrink-wrap the boards. Afterward, they send them in refrigerated containers to China. It’s a bit weird.”
The market is “anemic” according to a lumber representative from Maine. “I’ve got products moving but they aren’t flying off the shelves. There is strain and uncertainty. People don’t know what to expect. The hardwood market has always been able to adapt but when circumstances are changing all the time, it’s difficult.
“There is no real change compared to six months ago,” he added. “However, some mills are dropping off and we are filling those holes. We’re taking up that slack. Without them, is it really the same?”
Their No. 1 Common & Better in Hard and Soft Maple is “okay but other than that, it’s not great,” he said. Yellow Birch is “kind of in the tank” but Hard Maple is the bestseller and “most of what we saw. Six percent of our yearly production is White Ash. Traditionally, Ash has been a volatile species. In the summer, we would pile the wood up and water it. The water would keep the logs fresh enough so that when it was cold, we could saw them. When we got around to sawing the White Ash, we’d either lose our shirts or make money.”
4/4 and 5/4 are what they currently work with and “all grades” such as “No. 2 Common & Better, No. 1 and 3 Common and Select, First and Seconds.” He explained that they “used to do a lot of 6/4, 8/4, 10/4 and even 12/4. When we did that thicker stock, we shipped it out green and didn’t dry it. The demand hasn’t been there for it.”
Their customers consist of flooring and cabinet manufacturers. They export to Canada and have a “really good relationship with a customer up there but things have gotten rocky because of the situation. At least they don’t blame us for it. A lot of customers have expressed concern about the market and don’t like what they see, which makes it tough.”
Their labor force isn’t in “as bad a shape as some” but their employees are “older. They work and are very conscientious. There’s no drama and they’re dedicated.”
While transportation is “fine,” he mentioned there is a trailer that, after making a delivery to a customer, he can’t get back across the Canadian border despite efforts from the customer to send it home. At the time of this writing, the trailer “should have been here weeks ago.”
A lumber resource in Vermont is facing a flat market.
He said it is worse than six months ago. He cited a lack of demand, the economy and the government as the causes.
They handle Hard and Soft Maple, Red Oak, Ash, Cherry and Yellow Birch in “all grades including FAS & Better, Selects and the Commons.” They work with 4/4 and 5/4 primarily. Hard Maple is selling the best.
Distribution yards and wholesalers are their main clients. “My customers, especially the distributors, are concerned about the market,” he stated.
Regarding labor, he said that “finding people who have the ability to learn the skills to do the job,” is a challenge.
