

Lake States Business Trends
Across the Lake States region lumber sources varied, with one source stating that while his sales are average, it does depend heavily on which species
Across the Lake States region lumber sources varied, with one source stating that while his sales are average, it does depend heavily on which species
In the Northeast market, forest products industry contacts we spoke with all agreed that their business was steady but were split on whether they expect
Throughout the Southeast region lumber sources that were contacted, at the time of this writing, agreed that their sales are heavily dependent on the species
Hardwood suppliers on the West Coast mostly accounted for positive activity. One contact in California mentioned activity was back to pre-covid “normal” levels. “Our business
Contacts noted prices had risen for kiln-dried lumber as recently as March compared to a year ago for Basswood, Red Oak, Hard and Soft Maple.
Heading into summer, businesses are busy ramping up their inventories for the anticipated season. There were concerns of lower log decks in late spring for
Contacts in the Lake States region accounted for average hardwood activity, with many stating they expect supply shortages in the coming months. An Indiana hardwood
Throughout the Northeast region lumber sources weren’t able to come to a consensus as to how the market was faring, with one source noting that
Lumber sources that were contacted throughout the Southeast region seemed to be a bit of a mixed bag as two sources noted that their marketplaces
Hardwood lumber suppliers on the West Coast accounted for stable to stagnant market conditions, at the time of this writing. For most in the region,
The winter weather was milder with less snowfall in certain areas, thus affecting logging activity levels. Markets have contracted, causing limited timber sales and putting
With a quieter start to 2024, business continues at a slower pace for many businesses. With spring thaw reducing access to logs, obtaining required inventories
While lumbermen in the Lake States continued to steadily “move wood” through the fourth quarter of 2023, they agreed that “something must change” in order
Overall, lumber sources in the Northeast region said that their sales were better than they were six months ago. A lumberman in Maryland said that
Throughout the Southeast region lumber sources agreed that their markets are rather quiet, at the time of this writing. One source noted that while his
Lumbermen on the West Coast recently spoke with nervous intrigue regarding the first quarter of 2024. At the time of this writing, three sources were
In advance of the 2023 Holiday season and into New Year’s, sawmills sawed more lumber ahead of this period. Many secondary manufacturers took extended breaks
Another year has begun and the hardwood industry is busy, striving to improve efficiencies, boost margins, deal with supply chain shortages, rising interests rates, expand
Four lumber suppliers from the Lake States region recently agreed that market conditions have been “sluggish” overall in the last six months. According to one
Throughout the Northeast lumber sources have mixed sentiments as to how the market is currently faring, with some stating that they are doing worse than
Lumber sources throughout the Southeast region are a mixed bag, with comments ranging from the market has improved to sales have slowed down. In Tennessee