Russ Taylor of Russ Taylor Global returns to The Lumber Word for a deep dive into one of the most fascinating lumber markets in years. The crew discusses shrinking North American production, tightening inventories, Canadian export trends, Southern Pine pricing, mill profitability, tariffs, transportation, and why supply—not demand—continues to drive prices. With production capacity permanently removed across North America and limited ability to quickly restart mills, the panel explores whether higher prices are here to stay into late 2026. If you trade, manufacture, distribute, or simply follow the lumber industry, this episode delivers market intelligence you won't want to miss.

00:00 – Soccer banter before shifting into lumber markets.

02:00 – Current SPF and Southern Pine market conditions and regional pricing.

08:00 – Russ Taylor reviews Canadian production and export data.

15:00 – Mill profitability, duties, tariffs and North American cost structures.

21:00 – Why supply constraints are outweighing demand.

28:00 – Southern Pine production, logistics and trucking challenges.

34:00 – Wood chip markets, pulp demand and byproduct economics.

35:30 – 30-, 60- and 90-day market outlook and pricing expectations.

41:00 – Canadian shipments, tariff timing and closing market outlook.

Guest: Russ Taylor

WWW.russtaylorglobal.com

Advertiser

Fastmarkets RISI

Tiranth Amarasinghe

Product Marketing Manager

Tiranth.Amarasinghe@fastmarkets.com

The lumber market may feel quiet—but beneath the surface, major shifts are taking place. In Episode #175 of The Lumber Word, Ashley Boeckholt, Greg Riley, Matt Beymer, and Charles DeLaTorre discuss why the current market could be setting up for its next significant move. The crew breaks down Canadian SPF, Southern Yellow Pine, Western species, and why inventory positioning may matter more than ever heading into late summer. Matt shares insights from the Inland Lumber Producers Conference, highlighting how market conditions have become highly regionalized across North America. The conversation also pays tribute to three respected industry leaders whose retirements mark the end of an era in the lumber business. Other topics include: • Is SPF 2x4 the cheapest value in North American lumber today? • Could Western Spruce reach $700 by Labor Day? • Southern Yellow Pine supply, production cuts, and inventory trends • Why mills still aren't chasing production despite stronger pricing • Forward pricing opportunities and why buyers remain cautious • Canadian shipment trends and what they signal for the second half of 2026 • The importance of mentorship, relationships, and reputation in the lumber industry Whether you're a lumber trader, sawmill executive, wholesaler, retailer, builder, or simply follow North American wood products markets, this episode delivers practical market intelligence and industry insight you won't want to miss.

00:00 – Episode 175 begins and current lumber market overview

02:00 – Why SPF 2x4 appears undervalued compared to other lumber products

06:00 – Customer visits, building relationships, and selling opportunities

07:00 – Matt's recap of the Inland Lumber Producers Conference

09:45 – Honoring retiring lumber industry leaders

17:30 – Mentorship and why relationships define long-term success in lumber

18:00 – Southern Yellow Pine market update with Charles

20:00 – Western species, Douglas Fir, Hem-Fir, and current trading conditions

23:00 – Distribution inventories, buying strategies, and market positioning

25:45 – Forward pricing opportunities and why buyers remain hesitant

27:00 – Dimension lumber discussion: 2x10s, 2x12s, and seasonal production trends

33:00 – Canadian production, stud mills, and profitability

37:00 – Pulp markets, fiber supply, and residual economics

39:30 – Canadian shipment data, inventory outlook, and what's next for the lumber market.

The lumber market may feel quiet, but beneath the surface, major forces are shaping the second half of 2026. In Episode 176 of The Lumber Word, Ashley, Gregg, Matt, and Charles break down slowing summer activity, surprising housing data, Canadian production cuts, Southern Yellow Pine trends, and why lumber futures remain one of the industry's most underused risk management tools. Plus, the crew dives deep into species spreads, pricing opportunities, and what separates great lumber traders from everyone else.

00:00 – Summer slowdown or just a seasonal pause?

05:30 – Housing starts surprise the market: supply vs. demand

13:00 – Canadian curtailments, fiber shortages & wildfire impacts

17:00 – Southern Yellow Pine futures and managing price risk

25:00 – Why the panel is hedging lumber futures today

31:00 – Species spreads: SPF vs. Doug Fir, Hem-Fir & Southern Pine

35:00 – Why traders love the 'in the weeds' market discussion

39:00 – How great lumber traders are developed—and why training still matters