Our thoughts on forest product markets

Tighter supply and higher prices reshape Pacific Rim softwood markets

Tighter supply and higher prices reshape Pacific Rim softwood markets

Europe and Russia account for roughly 43% of global industrial roundwood supply but the outlook differs significantly between Russia, the Nordics, the Baltics, and Central Europe, reflecting differences in forest resources, harvest intensity, industry structure, and exposure to forest damage.

Europe and Russia: A region of contrasts shaping global softwood markets

Europe and Russia: A region of contrasts shaping global softwood markets

Europe and Russia account for roughly 43% of global industrial roundwood supply but the outlook differs significantly between Russia, the Nordics, the Baltics, and Central Europe, reflecting differences in forest resources, harvest intensity, industry structure, and exposure to forest damage.

Supreme Court ruling: Impact on US lumber trade

Supreme Court ruling: Impact on US lumber trade

The recent US Supreme Court ruling limiting the President’s ability to impose tariffs unilaterally has attracted significant attention in global lumber markets. However, its direct impact on the US softwood lumber market is likely to be limited – at least in the near...

Europe’s lumber market tightens as demand recovers and supply constraints deepen

Europe’s lumber market tightens as demand recovers and supply constraints deepen

Europe’s lumber market is entering a period of tightening supply and gradually recovering demand. While production growth is expected to shift toward Northern and Eastern Europe, overall expansion will be limited by structural harvest constraints in Central Europe. Stronger domestic consumption, combined with potentially higher US demand due to tariffs and reduced Canadian output, will likely support higher prices for logs and lumber. Europe will remain a critical global supplier, but competition for available fiber will intensify through 2030.

North America – The answer to a growing global shortage of softwood roundwood?

US lumber market – Role of imports to 2030

The U.S. continues to structurally rely on softwood lumber imports: despite being 27% of global demand, domestic production only meets ~20%. To close the gap by 2030 would require building ~75 new sawmills—demanding over 12× the sawmill investment made in the past 15 years.

Softwood Lumber – Tariffs, turbulence, and new trade flows

Softwood Lumber – Tariffs, turbulence, and new trade flows

Global softwood lumber markets are entering a period of significant change. After years of weak demand and high volatility, the 2025–2030 outlook points to a gradual recovery—driven by economic improvement in Europe and China, supply constraints across North America, and new trade flows emerging from tariffs and policy shifts, according to the new report Softwood Lumber – Tariffs, Turbulence, and New Trade Flows.

Competitiveness & Sustainability in the B.C. Forest Sector

Competitiveness & Sustainability in the B.C. Forest Sector

New report by O'Kelly Acumen for the B.C. Confederation of Forest Industries Ahead of the hashtag#COFI2025 annual convention on April 2-4, 2025, we released a new report on the competitiveness and sustainability of the B.C. forest industry. The report includes results...

Takeoff: Rising capacity for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)

Takeoff: Rising capacity for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)

Demand for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is expected to surge over the next decade, particularly in the EU and US, driven by mandates and incentives aimed at decarbonizing aviation. Our review of capacity expansion projects highlights the growing need for suitable...

North America – The answer to a growing global shortage of softwood roundwood?

What does Enviva’s bankruptcy mean for wood pellet markets?

Enviva filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on March 14th following several months of financial difficulties and a missed interest payment in January. The company has been burdened by high levels of debt, rising costs, and lower pellet prices. What are the implications for...