The landscape of the global market has undergone significant transformations when it comes to the pricing of sawlogs, a crucial raw material for various industries. British Columbia (BC) had the cheapest costs in North America, giving businesses stability and predictability. However, as we know, the market is ever-evolving.

Exploring British Columbia's Market Landscape
From 2018 onwards, British Columbia has experienced a decline in available timber and a deterioration in log quality. These factors have led to a significant increase in the prices of wood raw materials, presenting a challenge for businesses worldwide as they navigate these elevated costs.


Looking back to the 2009 economic downturn, sawlog prices in BC were a comfortable US$32/m³. Fast forward to 2022, and the landscape has drastically changed. Prices have skyrocketed to nearly US$120/m³, turning BC from the most affordable region to the most expensive for logs in North America.

Graph of sawlog prices in BC.

On the flip side, the sawmill industry in the US South saw a boost in capacity, fueled by remarkably low wood costs in 2023 and 2024. This, coupled with a dwindling lumber supply and a drop in log quality, led to a sharp decrease in sawlog prices not only in British Columbia but also in other regions across North America, Eastern Europe, Central Europe, and Russia. Interestingly, BC sawlog prices experienced a steeper decline compared to many others over the past year, as highlighted by various global indices.

Over time, British Columbia has historically maintained wood fiber costs below the global Softwood Fiber Price Index (SFPI). However, the past decade has witnessed a sharp rise in prices, a trend that shows no signs of slowing down. Consequently, the pulp industry in BC now faces a challenge in remaining competitive in North American markets, creating an opportunity for pulp manufacturers in the US South, US Northwest, and Eastern Canada to benefit from notably lower wood fiber costs.

The higher wood costs and grim projections for available timber supply triggered manufacturers to take drastic measures such as permanently closing facilities in BC. This has led forest companies to seek investments in regions outside of the province.

Gain Deeper Insights with ResourceWise's Market Insights Reports
With the forest products market dynamics evolving swiftly, there is a growing need for immediate access to data and analytical perspectives.

For a thorough analysis and a comprehensive grasp of the situation, download our latest Market Insights report "High Wood Costs in British Columbia Have Resulted in Mill Closures and Reduced Industry Investments." ResourceWise's Market Insights reports offer up-to-date and in-depth commentary focusing on all major areas of the forestry industry, such as pulpwood, lumber, pulp, sawlogs, and pellets.

Source:  resourcewise.com