Risks, Challenges, and Opportunities in a Continued Volatile Economy

Presenter: Paul F. Jannke, Principal, Lumber at Forest Economics Advisors LLC

2023 was a challenging year for wood products markets. Rising interest rates hampered demand while capacity ramped up in the south. Meanwhile, record wildfires plagued Canada and global markets faced continued uncertainty in the face of multiple conflicts and weak demand (in Europe and China in particular). With US interest rates appearing to have stabilized, will we see a rebound in domestic consumption in 2024? Will overseas remain weak resulting in continued high levels of imports? Will even more capacity come on line in the south, further limiting upside market potential?