| ATHENS, GEORGIA – January 9, 2025 – The Forisk Wood Fiber Review (FWFR) reports that U.S. softwood fiber prices rose by 2% year-over-year through Q4 2024, while Canadian prices climbed by 5%. Quarterly price declines in the U.S. are attributed to market adjustments driven by an oversupply from natural disasters and reduced consumer demand. In Canada, prices generally saw moderate increases, with most producers purchasing the fiber required for their reduced operating rates, though at higher prices.
Canadian roundwood prices increased by 18%, while chip prices increased by 1% year-over-year. In British Columbia, softwood pulplog prices fell by 4% for the quarter, whereas they increased by 7% in the Maritimes. Delivered softwood chip prices increased by 11% in Alberta and 4% in East Ontario/Quebec but fell 1% in British Columbia. According to Stephen Wright, Product Manager of the FWFR, “The Canadian Forest products industry continues to face significant contraction, with 862 million board feet of capacity reductions announced across three sawmills this quarter. However, the avoidance of a prolonged rail strike and a relatively calm fire season provided some temporary relief.”
U.S. roundwood prices increased by 6% year-over-year, and chip prices rose by 1%, though this varied regionally. In the Lake States and Northwest U.S., prices for most products were flat or declined year-over-year, with the exception of hardwood roundwood in those regions, which saw 2% and 8% increases, respectively. In the U.S. Southeast and South Central regions, fiber prices fell for six out of the eight products tracked, with Southeast softwood residual chip prices falling the most (15%) and South Central hardwood roundwood increasing the most (7%) for the quarter. Year-over-year, prices for softwood and hardwood residual chips and roundwood are mixed. Northeast fiber prices saw price decreases across most projects, with hardwood residual chips having the largest decrease, down 11% year-over-year. Brooks Mendell, CEO of Forisk Consulting, commented, “Softwood lumber markets seem to be showing life, though many producers noted no changes to their previously planned extended outages during the holiday season.”
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. | 
