Author: kkosman

  • Trump, Trade, and Tariffs

    A flurry of news releases last week from many sources have started to shed light on the economic effects of these ongoing, expanding, rounds of tariffs started by the USA between increasing numbers of countries. Trade Barriers and Confusion are Wreaking Havoc for Manufacturers GRAPH CREDIT: [AFP via Straits Times] Just Friday a new flurry…

  • US Manufacturing and Non-Manufacturing Index: June 2018

    The US ISM manufacturing index, released Monday by the Institute for Supply Management: June 2018 Manufacturing ISM® Report On Business®, indicated expansion in June. The PMI was at 60.2% in June, up from 58.7% in May. The employment index was at 56.0%, down from 56.3% last month, and the new orders index was at 63.5%,…

  • Canada Recent Tariff Statistics

    Explained Statistics Canada Wednesday last week: On June 1, 2018, the United States implemented additional tariffs on selected Canadian steel and aluminum products exported to the United States. The additional tariff rates are 25% and 10% respectively. According to Statistics Canada’s international merchandise trade customs-based data, in 2017, the export value of aluminum products that are subject to the 10% rate…

  • North America Lumber and Panel Prices Settle Back to Normal Territory

    While still high compared to recent years, US and Canadian lumber prices this week started to approach what could be considered normal territory . Inventories in the field remain lean, however sawmills have managed to get wood ordered in 2Q out to their customers and are now able to assess the assets in their own…

  • Canada Sawmills: April 2018

    Lumber production in Canada rose +0.5% from March to 5,925 thousand cubic metres of lumber in April, said Statistics Canada Wednesday. Production was +2.5% higher than in April 2017. Sawmills shipped 5,807 thousand cubic metres of lumber in April, up +7.7% from March but -1.4% lower than in April 2017.