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Southern Comments

GENERAL

Comments from July 31, 2026.

The main talking point in the Southern hardwood market over the last week has been the pullback in Chinese and Vietnamese interest in lumber. Several trusted contacts who export to both nations told HMR/Fastmarkets that, after a steady start to the year, buyers from the two major Asian countries are buying less. The slackening of Chinese demand was especially underlined.

The latest federal data show US exports of hardwood lumber to Vietnam climbing 7% on the year through May, with shipments to China down 6% during the same period. Residential construction in China remains weak, constraining demand for flooring, furniture, cabinets, and moulding made from American hardwoods.

There is some overlap to the lessened Vietnamese demand of late. Now the world’s largest importer of American hardwood logs, low-cost sawmills in Vietnam provide lumber to key markets such as China, impacting the country’s need to import directly from the US.

The fall in Asian demand played out in this edition’s kiln dried listings and ranges, with price drops across most commonly exported Southern species. Poplar and White Oak continue to suffer the most. Mat timbers and board road remain bright spots for the Southern market, as domestic demand for grade lumber remains lethargic. Freight costs are again rising with the renewal of the US war with Iran.

Appalachian Comments

HARD MAPLE

Sawmills are limiting production of this species due to tepid demand and to avoid stain. Despite production curtailments, green supplies are ample and prices are down, necessitating decreases to the 4/4 through 8/4 Fas&1f and 4/4 #2A listings in both color classifications. Markets for kiln dried Hard Maple are also lackluster. Information gathered this week prompts reductions to the 4/4 and 5/4 Fas listings and noted range figures in each color designation.