Category: Madison’s Lumber News Library

Year-End Review — 2017: Executive Summary The story of North America construction framing dimension softwood lumber market 2017 was not simply the return of the Softwood Lumber trade dispute—it was the emergence of a fundamentally supply-constrained North American lumber market.Although trade actions dominated headlines, underlying market strength consistently outweighed political uncertainty.Strong residential construction, disciplined manufacturing,…

Year-End Review — 2016: Executive Summary The defining story of North America construction framing dimension softwood lumber market of 2016 was sustained expansion supported by disciplined management.Throughout the year, North American lumber markets benefited from improving housing construction, stable export demand, balanced production, and continued investment in manufacturing efficiency. By year-end, profitability had improved substantially…

Year-End Review — 2015: Executive Summary The defining story of North America construction framing dimension softwood lumber market 2015 was steady, sustainable growth.Unlike the rapid swings experienced during the recession and immediate recovery years, 2015 demonstrated a mature market supported by disciplined manufacturing, improving residential construction, diversified export markets, and continued investment in operational excellence.…

Year-End Review — 2014: Executive Summary The defining story of North America construction framing dimension softwood lumber market 2014 was resilient, balanced growth.Despite an exceptionally harsh winter that temporarily slowed construction during the first quarter, the industry recovered quickly and finished the year with stable pricing, disciplined production, and healthy demand. The market demonstrated that…

Year-End Review — 2013: Executive Summary The story of North America construction framing dimension softwood lumber market 2013 was the transformation of recovery into expansion.Following several difficult years after the global financial crisis, North American lumber producers benefited from improving housing construction, disciplined manufacturing, stronger export markets, and steadily rising profitability.Unlike previous market cycles, companies…