Forestry & Timber
Juken New Zealand's Northland Mill faces closure after buyer search fails Juken has begun consultation on shutting its Northland Mill in Kaitaia, which employs about 60 workers, after exploring sales and joint-venture options without success. The company cites weaker demand in key markets, rising costs and insufficient work to keep operations sustainable. Source: Fordaq
Western SPF holds at US$490/mfbm, 6% above last year The benchmark held firm through mid-June on tight supply, lean buyer inventories and limited prompt wood availability, with elevated freight costs adding support. The price stands 6% above last year's US$462/mfbm and 28% higher than two years ago. Source: Fordaq
US new single-family home sales fall 7.3% in May The decline adds to signs of soft housing activity, weighing on the demand outlook for lumber and wood products through the summer building season. Source: Fordaq
Wood Pellets
EIA: US densified biomass fuel production at 970,000 tons in March The Energy Information Administration's latest Monthly Densified Biomass Fuel Report shows U.S. manufacturers produced roughly 970,000 tons of densified biomass fuel in March, with sales of about 820,000 tons in the month. Source: Biomass Magazine