N. American sawmill capacity dragged down by low demand, closures and shift reductions

In 2023, North America's net sawmill capacity decreased by 2%, triggered by diminishing lumber demand and past overproduction issues. This trend has led to the permanent closure of nine sawmills and reductions in shifts, particularly in British Columbia (BC) and the US South, where economic pressures have also forced mills to shut down to balance timber supplies. Throughout the last six to seven years, substantial expansions and the establishment of new mills, primarily in the US South, added significant capacity. These were partly offset by closures mainly in BC and the US West. However, recent closures, including unexpected ...