The recent Lake States Lumber Association (LSLA) Winter Meeting brought together a record-breaking crowd of industry leaders, a testament to its value and timing ahead of the upcoming IHLA meeting. With a mix of camaraderie, learning, and forward-looking discussions, the event underscored both the opportunities and challenges in our industry. Here were some of the key takeaways our team took from this gathering:
1. Industry Sentiment: Concern Meets Optimism The overarching sentiment among attendees was cautious optimism. As the industry braces for potential changes under the new administration, concerns over tariffs, supply chain pressures, and market stability were top of mind. Supply challenges remain a recurring topic, amplified by unpredictable weather and global market shifts. Despite these hurdles, the consensus was clear: the industry has weathered tough times before and will find solutions once again.
2. Wisconsin Representative Jeff Mursau: A True Industry Advocate Wisconsin Representative Jeff Mursau joined the meeting to discuss initiatives aimed at supporting the forest products sector. Among the most promising is a project exploring the conversion of pulp into wood cellulose insulation—a potential game-changer for our markets. With continued advocacy and collaboration, this initiative could open new doors for pulp utilization and sustainability.
3. Export Market Trends: Growth and Shifts Mike Snow shared invaluable insights into export markets, emphasizing Mexico’s position as the most rapidly growing market. Key trends include:
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50% of U.S.-produced 1/Btr lumber is exported.
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White Oak exports to Canada and Red Oak exports to China have grown, while Cherry exports to China have declined.
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Europe’s largest importers of U.S. lumber are the UK (1/3 of the market), Italy, Germany, and Spain.
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Half of all U.S. exports are destined for China and Vietnam, showcasing the importance of these global partners.
4. Education and Workforce Development: Building the Future One of the most exciting updates came from Northcentral Technical College in Antigo, Wisconsin, which has launched a brand-new sawmill on-site thanks to grant funding. Their innovative Mill Technology Certificate program offers comprehensive training in sawmill operations, safety, grading, and kiln drying. A unique opportunity, the upcoming March 17–April 17 class is free for 12 students through grant funding. The program also offers hands-on learning with a sawyer cab simulator and courses ranging from knife grinding to log grading. This investment in workforce development is a win for the entire industry.
5. Australian Market Opportunities The Australian market is emerging as a key destination for Wisconsin lumber. In just eight years, exports have surged from 41,985 board feet (bf) in 2016 to a staggering 1,619,775 bf in 2024. With such significant growth, it’s clear that Australia represents a promising market for expansion.
6. Local Challenges and Resilience Closer to home, the immediate concerns center around log availability and weather disruptions. As winter temperatures drop, logging operations may face delays, impacting mill operations. However, industry veterans we talked to remain confident that, as always, the sector will adapt and persevere. From many discussions, it seems likely there will be a shortage of 1 Common 1&2 White Hard Maple through Q2, but the industry’s resilience continues to shine through.
Looking Ahead
The LSLA Winter Meeting was more than just a chance to reconnect—it was a reminder of the strength, innovation, and adaptability that define our industry. From groundbreaking educational programs to expanding global markets, there is much to be optimistic about. As we navigate challenges, it’s clear that collaboration, innovation, and leadership will continue to drive us forward.
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