| ATHENS, GEORGIA – March 19, 2026 – The Forisk Wood Fiber Review (FWFR) reports flat U.S. weighted average pricing for roundwood and chips (combined) in Q1 2026, down 5% from Q1 2025. The same prices in Canada were up 1% for the quarter and down 1% year-over-year. Softwood roundwood prices were flat or up slightly in all U.S. regions as buyers resumed production following a slow Q4. Residual chip prices were flat or slightly down in most U.S. regions with reduced demand following 2025 pulp mill closures.
British Columbia softwood roundwood prices fell 4% in Q1 due to increased chip availability, allowing buyers to be more selective. Hardwood roundwood prices were flat in E. Ontario/Quebec. Delivered softwood chip prices were up 4% in BC as pulp mills started rebuilding inventories. Alberta and E. Ontario/Quebec saw flat chip pricing in Q1. According to Chris King, Product Manager of the FWFR, “Following the closure of Domtar’s Crofton mill and several ongoing curtailments, many expect barged BC chip imports from the U.S. to slow this year as the region adapts to reduced demand.”
U.S. softwood roundwood prices rose 1% in the U.S. Southeast and Northeast in Q1 after both regions saw a decrease in Q4 2025. Prices rose 2% in the South Central region with renewed annual contracts and were flat in other regions. Softwood residual chip prices were down 2% in the Southeast and Northeast, down 1% in the Northwest, up 1% in South Central, and flat in the Lake States. Hardwood roundwood prices were up 5% in the Southeast and down 3% in the South Central region, both reversing Q4 directions. All other regions were flat. Hardwood residual chip prices were down 1% and 2% in the Northeast and Southeast, respectively, and flat in other regions. Brooks Mendell, CEO of Forisk Consulting, commented on PNW markets, “Regulations related to housing, immigration, zoning, tariffs, and permitting inject uncertainty and instability into housing markets, reducing demand for building products and, as a result, affecting log markets.” Many reported a “cautious optimism” in Q1, but markets still face these challenges along with potential impacts from the U.S./Iran conflict.
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 on 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. | 
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