As we end 2024, and ring in 2025, contacts described mixed market conditions for hardwoods, which varied depending from species to species and grades of lumber as well as areas contacted. Many items have been doing well in the marketplace, like No. 1 Common and Better Hard Maple, and certain grades of Soft Maple and Red Oak. As well, certain species like Aspen and Basswood continue to underperform such as lower grades of most species. With the focus to other species like Oak, Cherry and Walnut in certain areas heading into the fall, certain species were less available, although supply was meeting demand.
The regionally important Hard Maple, kiln-dried availability has passed the demand, as well as for the upper grades. Markets are not oversupplied, but prices have decreased, noted contacts. Green Fas and 1f Hard Maple is moving well, with No.1 Common in fair demand, and Nos. 2A and Number 3A reported as slow.
Soft Maple is a mixed bag, being reported as good on one hand and worst on the other depending on the items referenced. Demand is good for green and kiln-dried Fas Soft Maple, while orders for color selections of No. 2A are rare. No. 1 Common Soft Maple (Sap and Better) business is reported as sluggish, and for unselected sales are slow.
With limited Ash supplies available, due to the decimation of Ash trees by the Emerald Ash Borer here in Canada and Eastern parts of the U.S., and a lower demand from customers, availability has been sufficient to supply demand. Exports of Ash are also down, due to its reduced production rather than lack of market demand. It was noted that the Chinese market is still a key buyer.
Basswood has been in a long-time slump, commented contacts, and does not appear to be improving in the near future. Secondary manufacturers are only purchasing for their immediate needs.
Cherry sales are still mainly going to China, and so sawmills say they have been avoiding this species. Hickory sales are reported as decent. Not much has changed for these species in the past few months.
In the fall, flooring manufacturers are usually building their inventories prior to the slow down in supply during the winter. But many manufacturers have been holding back on purchases or reduced them due to the decline in the sales of finished goods. Sawmills are trying to sell their Oak to other markets, but are finding it challenging. Sales of kiln-dried Red Oak are decent on export markets. There is solid interest in green Red Oak for No. 1 Common and Better.
There is good interest coming from cabinet manufacturers and other markets for White Oak. Flooring manufacturers were reported to have reduced their purchases for this species. Supplies are readily available, commented buyers and sawmillers.
Obtaining Poplar is challenging, noted hardwood contacts, as competition is strong at this time. Moulding and millwork producers are maintaining a steady demand for this species. Kiln-dried Poplar is also doing well on markets.
