Due to elevated freight rates and an unsteady export market, uncertainty continues to swirl for Southern hardwood market participants. A lack of resolution to the American and Israeli war against Iran is the major factor creating that uncertainty.
A general overabundance of logs was listed by multiple contacts as another issue. “Sawmills in the South have far too many logs,” a trusted contact at a Southern concentration yard said. “We can’t take as much lumber as they are cutting right now.”
Add in the fact that sawmill production was down 8.8% in the South in April, per HMR/Fastmarkets estimates, and there’s little good news to share right now.
Southern Comments
GENERAL
Comments from May 29, 2026.
Due to elevated freight rates and an unsteady export market, uncertainty continues to swirl for Southern hardwood market participants. A lack of resolution to the American and Israeli war against Iran is the major factor creating that uncertainty.
A general overabundance of logs was listed by multiple contacts as another issue. “Sawmills in the South have far too many logs,” a trusted contact at a Southern concentration yard said. “We can’t take as much lumber as they are cutting right now.”
Add in the fact that sawmill production was down 8.8% in the South in April, per HMR/Fastmarkets estimates, and there’s little good news to share right now.