Rosy Forecast For Lumber Market Disputed

Rosy Forecast For Lumber Market Disputed

Wednesday, September 07, 2005 at 13:35

Rebuilding efforts in New Orleans may not benefit Saskatchewan sawmills, according to an official from Weyerhaeuser.

Wayne Roznowsky disagrees with a report out of Vancouver last week which suggests market conditions for Canadian sawmills are sure to improve.

The report claims anticipation over future rebuilding projects in New Orleans has already begun to drive up prices for oriented strand board.

Roznowsky says that sounds nice, but markets don’t change overnight.

He notes the cost of getting product down there will be tough to accomplish for many Saskatchewan companies.

Roznowsky also points out that rebuilding efforts won’t happen until all the water is pumped out and authorities have had a chance to properly assess the damage.

It’s believed that could be months away.