U.S. lumber prices to hold steady for three to six months

In the U.S. southern region, stumpage pricing for forest products remained relatively stable throughout 2023, with minimal movement in the fourth quarter. This trend was attributed to average seasonal demand and a lack of significant marketplace pressure, particularly in relation to housing demands. Looking forward to the first quarter of 2024 and the rest of the year, industry experts anticipate a continuation of the current trajectory with timber and lumber prices expected to remain relatively flat for the next three-to-six months. Influencing factors include the ongoing economic downturn, moderately subdued housing starts due to high interest ...