| ATHENS, GEORGIA – March 18, 2025 – The Forisk Wood Fiber Review (FWFR) reports that U.S. softwood fiber prices were flat year-over-year through Q1 2025, while Canadian prices climbed by 9%. Quarterly price declines in the U.S. are attributed to market adjustments mostly in the Southeast, where the region is still trying to recover as much Hurricane Helene downed fiber as possible. In Canada, prices generally saw moderate increases with the new political uncertainty regarding trade policies and weakening Canadian Dollar.
Canadian chip prices increased by 5% year-over-year. In British Columbia, softwood pulplog prices were flat for the quarter. Delivered softwood chip prices fell by 3% in Alberta but increased 13% in East Ontario/Quebec and 6% in British Columbia year-over-year. According to Stephen Wright, Product Manager of the FWFR, “The Canadian forest products industry is currently facing a standstill, as the potential for additional duties on its products looms, adding to the ongoing softwood lumber tariffs. In response, producers are seeking to diversify their customer base to reduce risk, though developing alternative markets within such a limited timeframe is challenging."
U.S. roundwood prices increased 2% year-over-year, and chip prices fell by 3%, though this varied regionally. In the Pacific Northwest, prices for softwood residual chips rose by 2%, while softwood roundwood increased by 11%. Hardwood residual chips and roundwood saw a 5% increase and a 5% decrease year-over-year. In the Lake States, fiber prices were mostly stable, with the biggest mover being softwood roundwood increasing 3% for the year. The Northeast saw decreases year-over-year for all products, with the largest drops in softwood residual chips (-11%) and hardwood residual chips (-8%). In the Southeast, softwood roundwood increased 3% while softwood residual chips were down 5%. In the South Central region, prices for softwood roundwood were steady while softwood residual chips were up 2% and hardwood residual chips are down 9% for the year. Brooks Mendell, CEO of Forisk Consulting, commented, “Even for domestic producers, the uncertainty around the tariff situation is stalling cap-ex projects. Some sawmilling manufacturers are worried about the negative impact the tariffs could have on Canadian firms purchasing residual chips from the PNW."
Wood fiber costs account for over half of total pulp manufacturing costs worldwide. The Forisk Wood Fiber Review includes prices and market commentary for all major North American regions, providing essential data for anyone that needs to track pulpwood, wood chips, and biomass prices in the world’s largest and most dynamic wood fiber markets. The FWFR provides updates of softwood and hardwood prices for major markets in North America. Prices are reported for wood delivered to consuming plants as a range and average. Each report also updates U.S. and Canada trade statistics for lumber, logs, wood pellets, wood chips and pulp.
For more information or to subscribe to the Forisk Wood Fiber Review, visit Forisk's website or contact Nick DiLuzio, ndiluzio@forisk.com, 770.725.8447. | 
