The latest issue of National Hardwood Magazine features stories on Wyrmwood Gaming, Middle Tennessee Lumber, High Point Market, the Montreal Wood Convention and much more.
CANADIAN TRENDS News
CANADIAN TRENDS News from suppliers about prices, trends, sales and inventories ONTARIO Heading into spring, sawmill contacts noted they had lower log decks, while others had increased log inventories. Green lumber sales were reported as mixed with some saying they were slow, others noted they were fair, and some said it was good for them. Kiln-dried sales were reported as fair, while other areas noted they were slow. Sales were better for Red and White Oak, Walnut, Ash, and Yellow Birch. Sales are still difficult for Hard Maple, Soft Maple, Beech and Basswood. As the housing sector continues its slow pace, cabinet manufacturers are not buying much materials as supplies are ample to meet their needs. Wholesalers report mixed sales levels depending on region contacted. With warmer weather conditions upon us, Ash production was controlled as the most stain susceptible items were being processed ahead of this species. Business was noted as decent, while some international markets fared better than others. Prices are firm as a result. Contacts noted that Basswood was readily available on the market, competition was intense, leading to sharp price decreases. Kiln-dried markets were weak, however. Some noted interest in the common grades for this species was lethargic. Birch demand is stronger than for other whitewoods with developing stock being absorbed on the markets. Kiln-dried inventories are more elevated relative to buyers’ needs, and prices are going down. With the housing sector being impacted both in Canada and the U.S. by higher mortgage rates and prices, many secondary manufacturers are feeling this, with some having scaled back their operating hours, which reduced raw material needs. There is also competition from imported finished goods, MDF and non-wood products taking over the Hardwood market share. Demand for Hard Maple, as a result, has gone down. It is harder to find sales for this species. Therefore competition is increased for sawmills to move this species. Kiln-dried QUEBEC As we welcomed a late spring and warmer temperatures, logging activity had improved in most areas contacted. Sawmills advise decks are growing, and so lumber production increases were anticipated to follow. Cautious optimism was being felt as to demand from most markets was gaining momentum going forward. Kiln-dried Ash demand is reported as steady but is at a low level. Export markets were the same as earlier in the year noted some contacts. China was the biggest buyer for this species. Prices were not changed, and it was noted that green Ash was moving to wholesalers and to export markets, but was a bit slower on the domestic front to end users. Inventories are adequate to high for Basswood end users and wholesalers who are buying on a replacement basis. Exports to Southeast Asia and Mexico are dropping. Business for No. 1 Common and No. 2A is slower than for upper grades. The sales of the regionally important Hard Maple have seen a slowdown in demand from cabinet manufacturers than what they purchased in previous years, as well as wood component suppliers. These reductions are attributed to the increased use of alternative material imports of cabinets and wood components. It is difficult to find outlets to compensate for this lost business. The same is being reported for Soft Maple as business is also slow for wood furniture manufacturers who were one of several users of this species. Cherry exports to China are not doing as well as in previous months. Prices are reported as off, and also some buyers are asking price reductions when they place new orders. Green and kiln-dried prices did have upward momentum before the slowdown in Chinese demand, but have now flattened. There are decent sales for Hickory said area contacts, but exports are weak. No. 2A and Better stocks are a bit higher relative to demand, causing prices to soften. Please turn to page 53 Please turn to page 57 10 JUNE 2023 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE www.RealAmericanHardwood.org www.RealAmericanHardwood.org JUNE 2023 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE 11
