Landowners and harvest and haul operations across the state have been feeling a pinch on small diameter logs due to market dynamics impacting the pulp and paper market in the U.S. South. We recently connected with Amanda Lang, COO of Forisk Consulting to better understand what is causing the impact and how long we can expect this to last.
- U.S. paper and paperboard production dropped 9% year-over-year in the first quarter of this year. Significant to Georgia’s forestry sector is the sharp decline in packaging production, 76% of the packaging mill capacity is located in the U.S. South.
- Business leaders cite high inflation, reduced consumer demand and destocking as primary drivers for soft markets. According to Lang, current low demand levels will likely be short-lived and improve later this year, once businesses deplete high inventory levels…assuming the economy holds.
To read more on this issue, visit www.forisk.com.
Other Market Related News:
URGENT: The State Forestry Commission is urging landowner vigilance as the probability of Southern Pine Beetle outbreaks increase this summer, especially in Echols, Twiggs, Dawson, and Greene Counties. Click here to learn more about applying for SPB cost share assistance →
- GFC is also accepting applications for the Invasive Plant Control Program until June 23. Learn more here →
The US labor data from may May showed payrolls increasing and joblessness claims reaching the highest levels since 2020. Read more →
- The economic and generational pressure on the labor market has further underscored the importance of GFA’s continued workforce development efforts through the Georgia Forestry Foundation.
In the latest edition of “Things That Make You Go ‘Hmmm…’”: A New York entrepreneur recently announced a startup focused on manufacturing hemp-based lumber. The company received a $50 million grant from a non-profit advance the manufacturing of the product. Read more →
The CEO of Verra, the world’s leading forest carbon credit certifier, recently announced his resignation, following concerns with the legitimacy of carbon credits issued by the company. Read more →
Mass timber modular housing units were on display in Washington D.C. this weekend for the HUD Innovation Housing Showcase. The event featured affordable mass timber housing concepts from both PathHouse (Portland, OR) and Timber Age Systems (Durango, CO) pictured below. Read more →