US lumber market Latest News

Seattle, USA. Lumber production in the US and Canada improved during 2012, with total output in 2012 being eight percent and five percent higher, respectively, than in 2011, according to WWPA.

The improved housing market in the US the past four months has resulted in both higher lumber production in the US and in increased importation of lumber. Lumber prices have gone up by over 30% from last year, while sawlog prices are unchanged.

Increased demand for lumber in the US and higher exports to China resulted in higher lumber prices in 2012. Log prices have moved up in Interior BC 2Q/12 y-o-y, while falling in Western US and remaining unchanged in the US South, reports the WRQ.

International trade of softwood lumber increased in 2011 after two years of decline. Imports were up to China, Japan, Spain and South Korea while they fell in the US, the UK, France and Egypt.