Paper & Pulp Mills
Smurfit Westrock to close Lebanon, Tennessee corrugated packaging plant The company will permanently shut the facility on August 14, 2026, eliminating 52 jobs, according to a WARN notice filed with state labor authorities on June 15. The closure is part of ongoing network optimization following the 2024 Smurfit Kappa-WestRock merger. Source: Paper Advance
Forestry & Timber
Hunt Forest Products closes Olla hardwood sawmill in Louisiana The shutdown removes a significant outlet for hardwood logs in the US South, forcing area timber suppliers to redirect volumes to alternative buyers. The move reflects broader pressure on hardwood producers from weak furniture, flooring and export demand. Source: Fordaq
Russian softwood lumber output set to fall again in 2026 Production is forecast to decline 2-4% this year after dropping 2.5% in 2025 to 28.5 million cubic meters, pressured by weak export demand, a strong rouble and logistics constraints — with exports to China down 26% year-on-year in Q1. Only large, technologically advanced producers are holding 5-7% margins, while mid-sized mills operate near break-even. Source: Fordaq