National Hardwood Magazine - March 2017

CANADIAN TRENDS News

CANADIAN TRENDS News from suppliers about prices, trends, sales and inventories ONTARIO QUEBEC Contacts noted the winter weather conditions kicked in in most areas with heavy snowfall early in the new year, which impacted the lumber industry. Those in the logging sector appreciated the colder weather to harvest the logs. Sawmillers were anxious to increase their log supplies. Some contacts noted that Hard Maple was not in as great a demand as it normally would be over the winter months. Supplies have been ample to meet the thicknesses and volumes. Soft Maple production was noted as also meeting market demand. Log decks for Ash have improved but were reported as low at the time of this writing. This has caused green lumber production to be down as well so it was being absorbed by yards and secondary manufacturers. Sales of Ash have been geared towards export markets and clients have been asking for the Common grades. Sawmillers reported ample supply of Aspen for processing. This had not been the case earlier in the year and late in 2016. The No. 1 Common and Better grades have been doing better than the lower grades. Contacts reported that energy is low for sales of this species. Basswood sales have been stable, noted several area contacts. They expected supplies of Basswood to increase over the early months of this year. Distribution yards noted that supply is meeting demand for this species, and prices are also reported as stable. Green Birch markets have moved well, absorbing developing production. Prices ranged from stable to steady based on the grade and thickness combination. Logging conditions have improved so log shortages of Hard Maple have not been felt as much as they were at 2016 year-end. On the other hand, Soft Maple demand maintained its steady pace. Sawmillers increased their production of this species over time. Exports of Red Oak to China experienced a slight slowdown to celebrate the New Year. It was noted that sales had been previously arranged for shipments just following the nation’s holiday. There is a steady and constant demand for Red Oak. On the domestic front, demand has gained strength for this species. Stephen Schwarzman, who leads U.S. President Trump’s Strategic and Policy Forum, said Canada will be in a good Following its participation in consultations leading to the development of Quebec’s 2016-2020 Export Strategy, the Quebec Furniture Manufacturers’ Association (QFMA) recently noted the furniture industry is among the 17 sectors being prioritized in the government strategy announced by the Minister Responsible for the Economy, Science and Innovation (MESI) and Minister Responsible for Digital Strategy. Through the Quebec Export Strategy, the government plans to make it easier for businesses to access Canadian and American markets, and for the furniture sector it will focus on conducting the following actions, which will be implemented mainly by the MESI: develop commercialization skills; support businesses in the transition toward digital; organize trade missions or hosting buyers to develop new business contacts; showcase a Quebec brand image to better position and enhance the visibility of what Quebec support sector-based associations or businesses in the sector for their participation in strategic trade shows. "We are delighted the recommendations the QFMA made during public consultations and part of the brief it submitted were included in Quebec’s 2016-2020 Export Strategy,” stated Pierre Richard, the president and CEO of the QFMA. “Trade missions, e-commerce and participation in trade shows were in the forefront of the issues we addressed in our brief. The government was attentive to the members of the QFMA. Our industry has been hit hard over the last decade, so any support measures in terms of market development are welcomed by Quebec furniture manufacturers. We eagerly anticipate a close collaboration with the government in implementing this strategy.” The Quebec Furniture Manufacturers’ Association actively contributes to the growth of the Quebec furniture industry and oversees its promotion and development in Canada and internationally. Its members are comprised of manufac- ture components, as well as product and service suppliers to this industry. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) raised its forecast expected boost from the economic policies of U.S. President Trump. Please turn to page 65 Please turn to page 71 8 MARCH 2017 NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE

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