National Hardwood Magazine - December 2023

CANADIAN TRENDS News

CANADIAN TRENDS News from suppliers about prices, trends, sales and inventories ONTARIO With the American Thanksgiving and hunting season behind us, and as we approach the Holiday Season, businesses are winding down for this usual break and slowdown in business until the new year. They are taking this time to look ahead and plan, while remaining cautiously optimistic that inflation will go down, Hardwood lumber and products sales will improve both on the domestic and international markets, and that the new year will yield a better profit. With demand still being down for Hardwood products, it is challenging to find lumber and logs as production has not increased much, and demand for finished goods also remains on the slow side. Businesses are purchasing what they need for the short term, only replenishing stocks as required. According to sources, industrial products are more in demand at this time, with the railroad tie and wooden pallet and container sectors the most significant end users. It was noted that 2023 was heading to be a record low year for consumption of Hardwoods. Ash production has been steady over the summer, and so demand for this species has been absorbing developing production, noted contacts. Kiln-dried business is reported as decent, even though domestic and international markets are not strong, it is however keeping inventories low for many grades and thicknesses with prices being noted as steady to firm. End users commented that Aspen supplies are ample. However, orders are a challenge to find, with pricing being highly competitive. Some sawmills are keeping their Aspen logs to a minimum at this time due to sales issues and possible staining if this species is not sawn at appropriate time. Demand for green lumber is in line with production output. Industries that were using Basswood as an alternative to the higher priced species have reverted back to purchasing sheet stock or reverted to buying other species. Competition for orders is intense noted contacts, with the Common grades cited as problematic, although all grades appear to be under price pressure at this QUEBEC The fall and early winter is seeing lackluster demand for lumber and finished Hardwood products. Secondary manufacturers such as residential flooring, cabinets, wood components, some millwork and moulding manufacturers noted they were keeping busy, compared to other markets. Several sawmills have reduced their production as lack of available logs is making it challenging for them at this time. Several contacts noted that inventories are low. With the Christmas Holiday coming up, they don’t foresee any improvements over the near future. Contacts noted green Ash is moving well for most grades and thicknesses, with prices being firm. Exports at this time are steady with China being the main buyer. On the domestic side, shipments are steady, although at low levels. The wood components manufacturers, cabinets, and other finished goods are more assertive with their purchases of the regionally important Hard Maple, as are many wholesalers. End users have not increased their purchasing. Trends are driven by tighter supplies. Some have expressed concerns there will be tighter supplies in the coming months as prices continue to climb for this species. Wholesalers, end users and distributors of Soft Maple are looking to fill inventories, which have been depleted due to limited purchases in the past few months. Developing supplies of green lumber are not that readily available, stated contacts. As kiln-dryers did not process that much Soft Maple over the summer months because of lower interest for this species it has resulted in weaker prices. Many contacts noted they are low on specific grades and thicknesses of this species. Millwork and moulding manufacturers reduced their purchases of Basswood as did the shutter and window blinds manufacturers. Wholesalers are also limiting their purchases. Sawmill output has been low, and supply and demand has narrowed. Green lumber supplies of Cherry have contracted said contacts. Kiln-drying operations are looking for more High Quality Northern Hardwoods Specializing High Quality in Green and Northern Kiln Dried Hard Hardwoods Maple and Birch - QUALITY AND SUSTAINABILITY SINCE 1882 - Specializing in Green and Kiln Dried Hard Maple and Birch - QUALITY AND SUSTA INABILITY Contact for more SINCE info: 1882 - Over 40 million FBM annual production of hardwood makes Over J.D. Irving, 40 million Limited FBM one of annual the largest producers in Eastern J.D. Canada Irving, and Limited New England. one of the largest As one of producers the top 5 private in Eastern Canada landowners and in New North England. America we ensure a long term quality As wood one supply. of the top 5 private landowners in North America we ensure a long term quality wood supply. Denis Dubé, Sales Manager 506.992.9025 dube.denis@jdirving.com Contact for more info: Jan Coburn, Sales Coordinator 506.992.5360 Denis Dubé, Sales Manager coburn.jan@jdirving.com 506.992.9025 dube.denis@jdirving.com Eric Desjardins, Sales Representative 506.401.0060 Jonathan Connely, Sales Representave desjardins.eric@jdirving.com 506.992.9024 connely.jonathan@jdirving.com Jan Coburn, Sales Coordinator 506.992.9040 coburn.jan@jdirving.com Please turn to page 69 Please turn to page 71 Visit us online: Visit us online: www.JDIrvingLumber.com 14 DECEMBER 2023 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE RealAmericanHardwood.com/industry RealAmericanHardwood.com/industry DECEMBER 2023 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE 15