Recorded during Montreal Wood Convention week with Kip Fotheringham, this episode breaks down a confusing but strong lumber market.
Truck demand is hot, rail is lagging, and inventories are being drawn down while big buyers stay just-in-time. Euro supply is tightening, tariffs remain a wildcard, and mills still aren’t making money—keeping supply in check.
The big question: Is this market about to roll over… or keep grinding higher?
0:00 – Market confusion + SYP volatility
2:00 – Truck vs rail market split
4:00 – Inventory drawdown strategy
6:00 – SPF strength + tight supply
8:00 – Euro supply dropping off
12:00 – Tariffs (AR6 → AR7) breakdown
15:00 – Mills still losing money
18:00 – Logistics driving everything
25:00 – Macro + economy check
27:00 – SYP gaining market share
38:00 – Futures shifting (contango → tighter)
46:00 – Just-in-time buyers vs distributors
Guest
Kip Fotheringham
Advertiser
Fastmarkets RISI
Dustin Jalbert
Senior Economist Wood Products
Show Contacts:
Gregg Riley: Gregg@sitkainc.com
Charles DeLaTorre: cdelatorre@ifpwood.com
Matt Beymer: mattbeymer@hamptonlumber.com
Ashley Boeckholt: ashley@sitkainc.com