National Hardwood Magazine - October 2022

SOUTHEAST Continued
using lumber like they were. The market isn’t as good
as it was. I’m guessing people are not buying lumber to
manufacture their products like they were because they
aren’t able to sell their products as well.”
He sells all grades of all species indigenous to the
Southeastern U.S. and some native to the Northeast.
Thicknesses are mostly 4/4 and 5/4.
He sells his lumber to end use manufacturers. “Because
they’re not buying lumber like they were even
though lumber is available, it tells me they’re not selling
products like they were.
“Transportation is not that bad,” he remarked. “Rates
are higher than a year ago, but that does not cost us
sales. We have long-standing relationships with trucking
companies, and we get a lot of calls from trucking companies
wanting to haul our lumber.”
A North Carolina lumber provider commented, “We’re
doing OK. However, I see rough waters rapidly approaching.
Some aspects of the market are doing well.
But other aspects, typically on exports to Asia and Europe,
are going through a pretty major price correction.
Prices are going down pretty much across the board.
I don’t think there’s any grade or species that is unscathed
at the moment. The market is on the decline at
this time.”
In fact, he said, the market is not as good as it was a
few months earlier.
He offers Red and White Oak and Poplar in 4/4
through 8/4, in all grades including FAS and No. 1, 2
and 3 Common.
He sells mostly to end use manufacturers and to some
distribution yards. “They are OK today in their sales, but
their order files are getting shorter.
“The cost of transportation is difficult and has an effect
on our business,” he observed. “However, transportation
is more available.” n
WEST COAST Continued from page 11
most people. I just see that the sales are there; you just
have to work it.”
He sells all FAS No. 1 and 2 Common in 4/4 thickness
in Walnut, Hickory and White Oak.
He sells lumber to architects, flooring companies and
retail lumberyards. “They’re still pretty steady,” he said,
“not as busy as a few months ago but they still have business.
“It’s tougher getting containers shipped from mills,” he
remarked, “but local transportation is good.”
A lumber provider in Oregon said, “Everyone is seeking
clarity about what’s going on in the marketplace, what
will happen.” He said the market is weakened. There
is falling domestic demand as well as a slower global
market. “Some people have pulled back purchases,” he
stated. “Warehouses are full or don’t have much space.
There is uncertainty with what the Federal Reserve will
do with interest rates. The November elections, at the
state and federal level, also provide uncertainty,” he said.
The market is not as good as it was several months
earlier, he said.
Poplar, White Oak and Hard Maple are his best sellers.
He said that, among other products, they run a lot of their
lumber into profiles at their moulding plant.
He sells his lumber to cabinet manufacturers, commercial
enterprises that refurbish interiors of offices, banks,
concert halls, universities, furniture manufacturers and
retailers.
Transportation is getting better, he said.
In Washington State, a lumberman said, “The market
has slowed over the past month or two it’s a little softer.
All the negative news about recessions and the slowing
housing market have affected the market.
“I’d say the market is a little worse than it was a few
months ago,” he stated. “We’re still moving products.
The price of lumber is definitely falling. It’s significant but
not drastic: a 20 percent drop on some items. People are
holding off on their purchases and only buying what they
need. They’re not stocking a lot of lumber right now.”
He sells all grades of Walnut, Poplar, Oak, Maple,
Basswood and all Eastern Hardwoods, in 4/4 through
8/4 “but you could see any thickness go out of here,” he
noted.
He sells to millwork shops, distribution yards, cabinet
shops and others. “I hear mixed results of sales by those
companies. Some companies are so backed up they’re
not seeing a slowdown; others have said the opposite.
It’s hard to make sense of what’s going on. Some sheds
are full, and those companies are buying to replace as
needed. Lumber prices are falling a little bit, and people
don’t want to be caught with high-priced lumber.”
For transportation, prices have softened a little, and
availability of trucks is better, he said.
Overall, he observed, “You feel like everyone’s talking
themselves into a recession. Indicators vary, which is
weird. Some are bad; some aren’t. In today’s world, it’s
tough to tell where you’re at economically.” n
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