WFP Declared Lumber Production Curtailments at B.C. Sawmills

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Western Forest Products Inc. revealed a proposal to cut the amount of lumber produced at its sawmills in British Columbia by about 30 million board feet between October and December of 2024. In the third quarter, the corporation also decreased its production of lumber by about 30 million board feet.

For the full year 2024, the company is believed to have reduced its lumber production by around 90 million board feet. That amount of lumber production for the entire year is about 10% of the company's total annual lumber capacity.

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The primary causes of the temporary curtailments are market issues, such as lower lumber demand and higher softwood lumber duty rates in the United States. According to a press release from the corporation, one reason given is that some sawmills are not able to obtain a profitable supply of logs.

The company continues to encounter more difficult lumber markets and operating conditions, according to Western Forest Products President and CEO Steven Hofer, but the company is taking proactive measures to align production to market demand. Hofer continued, "All levels of government must implement necessary policy measures in support of the domestic forestry industry, given the U.S. commitment to double the rate of softwood lumber duties in H2 2025."

The news release also said that it will keep an eye on market conditions and modify its operations to meet consumer demand.