Southern Comments

GENERAL

Comments from April 10, 2026.

As spring takes hold round the region, the biggest question for the Southern hardwood market remains the same; what to do with low-grade Oak? Published prices for green #2A&3A Red Oak and #2A White Oak reached the lowest they have been for a year this week, while #3A White Oak has fallen to its lowest figure in almost three years.

With the crosstie market in the midst of a downturn and combined demand from the residential and truck trailer flooring sectors flat, the answer to the low-grade Oak question is unlikely to come from the places the industry has most often turned to in the past. Several contacts told HMR/Fastmarkets that they are resigned to the situation lasting until the summer, at least.

Appalachian Comments

HARD MAPLE

Hard Maple production increased in winter, and demand initially kept pace with mill output. Demand has since fallen, with supplies of green Fas&1f exceeding the market’s needs. Reported prices lower the listings for #1&2 White 4/4 through 8/4 Fas&1f. Kiln dried inventories have thinned out and are now aligned with demand in both color designations. No changes are made to kiln dried figures.