Ontario Business Trends July 2026 – Hard Maple Leads The Pack In Hardwood Lumber, Stays Strong As Best Seller
May’s wet weather conditions in many parts of the province finally subsided easing logging conditions. Some mills reported log inventories as tight but normal for the time of year. Freight costs are a concern for some sawmills, although reports are mixed. For those whose freight costs are continuing to rise say they will likely see lower sales because of it. While for others, costs started to come down or levelled off. Fuel costs continue to be affected by the war in Iran at the time of this writing.
Green Ash sales were brisk, commented sawmills, with many wanting additional Ash logs to saw as their customers are seeking larger volumes. Thus, prices are increasing for No. 1 Common and Better. Overseas customers are seeking kiln-dried Ash. The Common grades are selling well, commented contacts.
Aspen demand is down and loggers are not harvesting it unless it is necessary. Basswood demand on the other hand is improving for green and kiln-dried items. Price gains, noted contacts, are driven by low supply, although some report a slightly higher demand for selected items.
Birch is not in great demand, although the secondary wood products manufacturers, like the residential flooring and cabinet manufacturers, are purchasing this species.
Some sales of kiln-dried FAS are reportedly going to distribution yards.
Hard Maple demand continues to be a best-selling item. Some businesses are seeking more of this species for both green and kiln-dried stocks. With demand being steady for some time, prices have risen. The increase is said to be due to solid interest in winter-cut stock. The cabinet sector has been purchasing No. 1 Common and Better, while flooring producers have been buying No. 2A and No. 3A grades.
Contacts commented that Sap and Better Soft Maple is lukewarm. Stocks have been moving okay, they say, but brown FAS is selling best due to high interest from the cabinet sector.
Red Oak sales remain positive, with kiln dryers selling their stock. Due to steady demand from Europe and China, Red Oak prices for kiln-dried No. 1 Common and Better have risen this year. Contacts reported mixed sales, as slow or fair, for green No. 2A and No. 3A from the residential and truck trailer flooring sectors.
Sales and prices of White Oak remained steady. Some contacts noted that flooring manufacturers are seeking White Oak this year. Price spreads are reportedly based on board lengths with price premiums being significant.
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) initiated investigations on April 10, 2026, under the Special Import Measures Act, respecting the alleged injurious dumping and subsidizing of decorative and other non-structural plywood originating in or exported from the People’s Republic of China. The investigations follow a complaint filed by Columbia Forest Products (CFP), Hearst, Ontario and the Canadian Hardwood Plywood and Veneer Association (CHPVA), St-Sauveur, Québec.
The goods are usually imported under the following tariff classification numbers: 4412.10.00.00; 4412.31.00.00; 4412.33.00.10; 4412.33.00.20; 4412.33.00.30; 4412.33.00.90; 4412.34.00.00; 4412.39.00.10; 4412.39.00.21; 4412.39.00.22; 4412.39.00.23; 4412.39.00.90; 4412.91.00.00; 4412.92.00.00; and 4412.99.00.00.
These tariff classification numbers may include non-subject goods, and subject goods may also fall under additional tariff classification numbers. The product definition is contained in Appendix 1.
The CBSA will investigate whether the imports are being dumped and/or subsidized; and will make preliminary decisions within 90 days, at which time provisional duties may apply.
Additional information about the investigations will be provided in a Statement of Reasons that will be accessible within 15 days of the time of this writing.
