The window to load containers for arrival prior to Chinese New Year is open, with China’s annual festival running from February 17th through March 3rd in 2026. Despite the improved pace of business with China coinciding with the new trade deal framework, most information is grouped around the listings for green Red Oak, and around the listings and ranges for kiln dried items. Some contacts report good demand for kiln dried 4/4 #2A&Btr. Others, however, state demand is better for 4/4 than for 5/4 through 8/4 Fas, with Fas the strongest overall grade regardless of thickness. The only kiln dried changes in this edition raise the listings for 4/4 #1C, while the only green changes lower the listings for 4/4 #2A and #2A Alone.
POPLAR
At times this year, Poplar availability has surpassed demand, and prices have been pressured lower. That is not the case now: domestic and international business is keeping inventories manageable, and reported prices keep all green and kiln dried figures in check. Sawmills have order files for Poplar extending into January, but longer-term demand is cloudy. Producers hope the downward trend in 30-year mortgage rates in 2025 continues in 2026 and increases demand for this species. However, the downward rate trend this year did not heat up the single-family housing market.
Appalachian Comments
RED OAK
The window to load containers for arrival prior to Chinese New Year is open, with China’s annual festival running from February 17th through March 3rd in 2026. Despite the improved pace of business with China coinciding with the new trade deal framework, most information is grouped around the listings for green Red Oak, and around the listings and ranges for kiln dried items. Some contacts report good demand for kiln dried 4/4 #2A&Btr. Others, however, state demand is better for 4/4 than for 5/4 through 8/4 Fas, with Fas the strongest overall grade regardless of thickness. The only kiln dried changes in this edition raise the listings for 4/4 #1C, while the only green changes lower the listings for 4/4 #2A and #2A Alone.
POPLAR
At times this year, Poplar availability has surpassed demand, and prices have been pressured lower. That is not the case now: domestic and international business is keeping inventories manageable, and reported prices keep all green and kiln dried figures in check. Sawmills have order files for Poplar extending into January, but longer-term demand is cloudy. Producers hope the downward trend in 30-year mortgage rates in 2025 continues in 2026 and increases demand for this species. However, the downward rate trend this year did not heat up the single-family housing market.