North American lumber market trends 2016

The slow but stable improvements in the housing market of the US in 2016 have resulted in both increased inner production and a rise in lumber imports. During the first eight months of 2016, lumber production increased by 3.6% in comparison with the same period in 2015.

US lumber imports have risen by 31% so far this year and may reach an eight-year maximum of almost 40 million mᶾ in 2016. Prices for lumber increased dramatically in late 2015 and throughout 2016 as exemplified by prices for southern yellow pine, which jumped over 35% during 12 months.