Weakening lumber demand has led to the first decrease in the Global Conifer Sawlog Price Index since the first quarter of 2009, according to Wood Resource Quarterly.
The index declined in the third quarter to US$90.18/m³, with only a few regions bucking the downward trend.
British Columbia was the only region to see a substantial price increase, with prices pushing up 5-7% from the second quarter. The Canadian province has benefited from higher lumber production and exports this year.
In lumber markets, large consuming countries the US, UK and Germany all imported less lumber in July and August compared to previous months, while Chinese imports have slowed. Japanese softwood imports are up 9% so far this year.
Early reports indicate lower production levels in the US, eastern Canada, the Nordic countries, Russia and some European countries.
