National Hardwood Magazine - January 2021

QUEBEC Continued from page 8
steady pace, although it hasn’t gained as much market
momentum as other species. Cabinet and wood components
plants are the main buyers, and it has shown that
there are some shortages in certain areas, particularly
for the No. 1 Common and Better grades.
The low production of Ash over the past couple of
months has been exacerbated by the shrinking timber
availability due to the Emerald Ash Borer in the U.S., as
well as by log exports. With the Chinese market improving,
this has also contributed to improved Ash business.
Demand for this species on domestic markets is relatively
low. Sawmills, however, are having little difficulty
moving developing green No. 2A and Better Ash output.
Basswood sales are improved as well due to the remodeling
frenzy going on both here and in the U.S. for mouldings,
shutters and blinds. Secondary manufacturers have
worked down their inventories and are now placing more
orders. Sales to wholesalers have also trended up.
Cherry business has improved slightly, note contacts.
Wholesalers and end users in the Chinese market are
buying more volumes to support ongoing demand and
safeguard against potential shortages. In Canada, demand
is somewhat improved, most producers are prioritizing
other species like Red and White Oak.
Sales of Hickory remain solid, comment contacts.
Some even say that demand is outpacing supply. Flooring
manufacturers in the U.S. border states have ramped
up their demand and would like to get more. Exports are
also strong for this species. Plank flooring producers are
also looking to ramp up their supplies, as are cabinet and
millwork companies.
Poplar sales remain brisk according to contacts in all
regions for both domestic and international markets. Production
is readily moving for green No. 2A and Better,
and No. 2B is easy to sell because of the recovery in
the pallet sector. As a result, prices are firming. Sales of
kiln-dried Poplar to the U.S., China, Mexico and Vietnam
markets are strong, with prices having risen accordingly.
Since the onset of the COVID-19 crisis, the Québec
government has rolled out varying measures to address
the realities of individuals and businesses. The fall 2020
Update on Québec’s Economic and Financial Situation
summarizes the measures planned and taken to date to
strengthen the province’s health care system, support
Quebecers and restart the province’s economy amount
to $12.7 billion. They represent economic interventions
amounting to $35.2 billion, or 8 percent of Gross Domestic
Product (GDP).
The second wave of COVID-19 is creating great uncertainty
and difficult, but necessary, decisions are again
called for in order to protect Quebecers, continued the
report. The government is thus continuing its efforts to
strengthen the health care system during the pandemic,
support Quebecers and the economy as well as accelerate
economic recovery.
In this regard, measures totalling $5.8 billion have
been announced since last June: $1.8 billion for new initiatives
announced in the fall 2020 Update on Québec's
Economic and Financial Situation; $4.0 billion for measures
rolled out since the June 2020 snapshot, Québec's
Economic and Financial Situation.
The actions taken are producing results. The economic
and fiscal outlook for 2020-2021 is rosier than in June.
Québec's real GDP is now projected to contract by 6
percent, compared to a 6.5 percent contraction forecast
in June. The budgetary balance for 2020-2021 is stable
relative to the situation forecast in June and amounts
to −$15.0 billion. A provision of $4 billion is still made to
offset risks related to the health crisis and fund support
and recovery measures. The outlook is improving and
shows gradual deficit reduction. The budgetary balance
will show a deficit of $7 billion in 2022-2023. Of all the
Canadian provinces, Québec has injected the most into
its economy to tackle the public health crisis.
The fall 2020 Update on Québec's Economic and Financial
Situation presents the initial concrete actions
being taken by the government to accelerate economic
recovery and improve Québec's economic outlook. The
actions aim to: help Quebecers get back into the labour
market; spur economic growth; ensure a greener recovery;
promote Québec production and buying local.
We wish everyone a happy, healthy and prosperous
New Year! Be safe! n
Jeremy Peachey, Paul Peachey, and Josh
Peachey with 4/4 FAS POPLAR
MANUFACTURERS OF HIGH QUALITY APPALACHIAN BANDSAWN LUMBER
WHITE OAK • RED OAK • WALNUT • POPLAR • HARD MAPLE • ASH • MIXED HARDWOODS
10,000,000′ ANNUAL PRODUCTION • ALL GRADES OF LUMBER • RAILROAD TIES
HT BANDING GROOVED EXPORT DUNNAGE • INDUSTRIAL TIMBERS
LOGS SOLD/LOADED INTO EXPORT CONTAINERS • THICKNESSES 4/4-12/4
LUMBER/LOG SALES
JOSH PEACHEY
270-405-6424
Ask us about custom width and length sorts. . .
EAGLE
L U M B E R C O. L L C
GREENSBURG, KY
2195 GABE ROAD
GREENSBURG KY 42743
FAX: 270-932-4451
Sales - Tom Armentano
Purchasing - Andy Dickinson
sales@siriannihardwoods.com
46 JANUARY 2021 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE JANUARY 2021 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE 47