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US builders already pay a premium for the spruce, pine and fir lumber that Canada’s British Columbia produces and could soon face additional tariffs after President Donald Trump’s proclamation that America doesn’t need the province’s wood. Source: Vancouver Sun They like it particularly for framing walls because Canadian spruce, pine and fir is lighter, stronger and tighter-grained than the southern yellow pine lumber that is common in America but has a reputation for warping. US builders also need it because American mills still don’t make enough lumber to fill US needs, despite Trump’s declaration that “we have more lumber than they do.” “There’s just this gap between what the US can supply and what their demand is,” said Kurt Niquidet, president of the BC Lumber Trade Council, the main trade group that represents the BC industry’s interests in the U.S.-Canada tariff dispute. Since 2017, BC’ s lumber producers have faced countervailing and anti-dumping duties on US shipments. Over the last year those have ranged from 11.5% to 16.6% on Can$3.5 billion of BC lumber exports. Companies are now bracing for Trump’s on-again-off-again threats of an additional 25% tariff on exports on all Canadian goods to stick as of 2 April 2025. The US National Association of Home Builders estimated that tariffs on all materials would increase the cost on new homes to US$9,200 a unit. “It’s frustrating, but I think the facts of the matter point to something different,” Mr Niquidet said. The US housing market consumes a massive amount of lumber, some 50 billion board feet in 2024, but its lumber producers could only supply some 35 billion board feet, according to long-time industry consultant Russ Taylor. “There’s no way American supply, in the short-term, can do anything but rely on Canadian lumber,” Mr Taylor said. As of 2024, Canada made up about 12 billion board feet, or 24% of the US market. BC makes up more than half of that. The US gets another 6% of its lumber from overseas, mainly from Europe. “Tariffs are just going to push the price up and create shortages,” Mr Taylor said, adding that it will likely result in “market chaos” for such things as oriented-strand-board panels, pulp and newsprint. Spruce, pine and fir lumber isn’t exclusive to Canada, but it’s what mills in Canada’s boreal forests produce and is “a differentiated product” in the housing market, according to Mr Niquidet. “People like it for framing homes and so on,” Mr Niquidet said. “They like that it’s strong and it doesn’t warp and twist, so it’s got a good reputation with homebuilders.” For those reasons, Mr Niquidet said there will likely still be demand for Canadian lumber even if the US was able to expand its own lumber production as Trump has said he wants to. “What’s happening in the market right now, there’s actually a large premium on SPF over southern yellow pine,” Mr Niquidet said. Mr Niquidet said that, recently, US buyers were paying US$547 for 1,000 board feet of spruce, pine and fir two-by-fours, compared with just over US$400 for southern yellow pine two-by-fours. Mr Trump, on 1 March, signed an executive order aimed at the “immediate expansion of American timber production,” intended to pare back what are characterized as “heavy-handed federal policies” restricting the availability of timber on U.S. federal lands for lumber production. Mr Trump, in his order, stated the US “has an abundance of timber resources that are more than adequate to meet our domestic timber production needs.” But tapping that wouldn’t be a short-term project, according to Mr Taylor. Lumber producers would have to build the infrastructure needed: roads, bridges and transportation nodes to start logging, with big questions over where the labour to do so is going to come from, Mr Taylor said. New sawmills, he added, are major capital investments that cost roughly US$300 million to construct, and “who’d be going to build a mill not knowing what the rules of the game are? Are tariffs on or off, for how long?” Tariff threats are hitting the BC industry at the same time that it’s suffering through rounds of mill closures, consolidations and reduced production. BC’s exports to the US in 2024, 10.4 million cubic metres of lumber, were down 1% from 2023 and 42% from the industry’s last peak in production in 2016 when the province exported 17.9 million cubic metres of lumber. The province’s biggest lumber companies such as Canfor, West Fraser Timber Co, and Tolko, have already made major investments in the US South. “If we do see the 25% go ahead on 2 April, that would push us up to 39% combined tariffs,” Mr Niquidet said. “So, we expect the affects both sides of the border.” Mr Niquidet said Canadian producers would be able to pass on some of the increased cost to its buyers, but we’ll likely see some of BC’s higher-cost mills cut back on production, or even close. BC’s industry is also bracing for an increase in tariffs under the existing softwood lumber dispute. In February, the US Department of Commerce made a preliminary recalculation of those duties that would increase them to 34%, from 10%. So, those duties, combined with Trump’s tariffs, would raise the export bill to 55%.  

From 2014, the European Forest Institute (EFI) has granted the title of ‘European Forest City’ to the city which hosts the EFI Annual Conference. This year the conference will be held in Prague, the Czech Republic on 17-19 September 2025. Source: Timberbiz The title is given annually and lasts for one year. During this year, the city can utilize the title in its promotional materials and communications. EFI provides a special logo for this use. To meet the original goal of increasing awareness of Europe’s forests, it is expected that the city will include other forest-related activities for professionals and the public in their program for the year. Prague previously held the title in 2021. This prestigious recognition is based on the city’s efforts to promote environmental awareness, expand green spaces, and support activities related to forestry and nature preservation. With its extensive green areas, Prague is actively enhancing climate resilience and sustainability, as demonstrated in its Climate 2030 Plan, which includes the ambitious objective of increasing forest and green areas within the city. By prioritizing urban forests and green infrastructure, Prague sets an example of how cities can proactively tackle climate change while enhancing the well-being of their citizens. In urbanized European societies, the role of forests in providing commodities, welfare, health and other social benefits is easily forgotten. The European Forest Institute wants to increase awareness amongst the general public and decision makers about Europe’s forests and promote their versatility, significance and social impact.

Waratah Forestry Equipment has introduced a new line of forestry grapples said to deliver “exceptional performance and reliability”. The 15 new grapple models are engineered to deliver durability and reliability. Source: Timberbiz Waratah Forestry Equipment has introduced its new line of forestry grapples, designed to deliver exceptional performance and reliability across a wide range of forestry and non-forestry applications. The Waratah forestry grapple line includes three model categories to cover all types of forestry and non-forestry applications: The C Models are designed for traditional forestry needs. The C21, C26, C30, C36, C36HD, C42, C46 and C46HD models are ideal for traditional forestry applications and machines, including forwarders, log loaders, shovel logging machines and bioenergy recovery. With a symmetric frame, timing links and jaw tips designed to engage the pile at an optimal angle, these grapples ensure full loads are consistently secured. The Large C Models and built to tackle heavy-duty tasks. The C60HD, C80 and C100 utilise the same successful technical design as the C series, large C-model grapples are specifically designed for larger material handlers used in woodyards, ports and other large-scale operations. These robust grapples offer optimized frame structure and hydraulic features that minimize structural stresses, making them ideal for heavy-duty tasks. The E Models and made for maximum material handling. The C21E4, C30E4, C42E5 and C46E4 are purpose-built for handling slash, logging residues, stumps and bioenergy applications, these grapples offer specialized features for use with forwarders and chippers. The E models feature unique design elements, including a choice of four or five fingers for maximum material handling flexibility. In addition to being tough, Waratah grapples are designed for ease of maintenance. Greasing the grapple is straightforward, with a single position to safely perform maintenance while the grapple is lowered. The open frame structure further facilitates maintenance by offering easy access to hydraulic hoses. As with all Waratah products, these grapples come with easily accessible support for dealers and products, as well as genuine Waratah parts with an industry-leading warranty. Waratah grapples are available to customers in the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Asia Pacific, Brazil and Latin America. For application recommendations, consult your local Waratah dealer.

A hobby farmer hopes that his unique specialty timber silvopasture project will pave the way for other Tasmanian landowners to adopt the practice with confidence. Julian Devery plans to plant more than 2000 Castanea sativa, commonly known as sweet chestnut, seedlings at low density on his 21-hectare property at Riana in the Tasmania’s North-West for carbon abatement, specialty timber harvest, agricultural, and tourism benefits. Source: Timberbiz The sweet chestnut plantation will add to the existing 1150 oaks on the property, all of which will be under-grazed by Julian’s flock of 80 premium Wiltipoll cross Aussie White sheep. Mr Devery was one of three farmers to receive a share of the $450,000 Stems for CO₂ co-investment program, supported by the State Government’s Renewables, Climate and Future Industries Tasmania initiative, and will use the funds to bring his vision to fruition. Under Stems for CO₂, approximately 250 hectares of commercial trees will be planted across the properties of Julian, Alison Napier, and Dougal Morrison in Riana, St Marys, and Oatlands, respectively. The Tasmanian Government’s $10 million commitment in 2023 to maintain the state’s net-zero emissions status has been pivotal, with $600,000 allocated to Private Forests Tasmania to co-invest with landowners in establishing plantations for forestry and carbon farming while helping communicate the benefits of growing trees to other farmers and landowners. “We’ve had oaks here since about 2013, and in the dry months we notice how much better the grass grows in their shade compared to regular sheep paddocks without shade,” Mr Devery said. “This opportunity with Private Forests Tasmania came up, and chestnuts were on the list of alternative specialty timber tree species that were compatible with the program, so we did a bit more research. “Landowners have been growing sweet chestnuts in a silvopasture system since Roman times, specifically with sheep, and it’s still widely practised in that part of the world. “In Switzerland, Italy, and other regions, they still do it successfully, achieving good outputs for both sheep and timber.” Mr Devery will carry out three separate sweet chestnut plantings with varying stem density ratios per hectare in August 2026, following site preparation, including weed management and browsing control fencing. The largest planting of 10 hectares along with another two-hectare planting on a medium incline, will be established at 165 stems per hectare, while a more moderately sloped two-hectare section will be planted at 35 stems per hectare. The soil is deep, rich volcanic red and brown, and due to runoff from the hill, much of it remains slightly moist and fertile when surrounding flat land is dry and hard. While carbon abatement over a 40-year rotation is not Mr Devery’s primary motivator, he is keen to compare its sequestration potential against more common commercial species in Tasmania, such as radiata pine. “When we researched chestnut trees, one of the things that stood out was that, unlike pretty much any other tree, once you harvest the timber, they can be coppiced at ground level,” he said. “You cut them off at the ground, and the tree regrows itself, restarting the whole timber production and carbon capture cycle without the farmer having to deal with tree stumps or replanting.” Mr Devery said there are numerous benefits to using a silvopasture farming method, including improved animal welfare, water retention, and business diversification through agritourism. “There’s not much green grass out in the open paddocks in mid-February heading into March, but amongst the existing oak trees, the grass is still green,” he said. “The oak plantation already provides superior sheep grazing conditions compared to open paddocks, and this should also apply to the new plantings. “The two-hectare paddock with a broad-grid ‘dehesa’ planting layout will be compatible with commercial hay baling machinery, which will be of real interest to prospective silvopasture farmers who visit. “The timber should be valuable at some point — probably for my kids to sell rather than myself in 40 or so years. “This is also a really beautiful spot in Riana, and we’re planning to put in some tourist farm-stay accommodation. “Chestnut trees are stunning, and chestnut plantations are picturesque, especially in autumn. People could even get married here.” Preparations for planting have begun, including weed management, fertiliser application, and browsing and grazing control measures such as tree guards. Planting will be carried out by spade or using a handheld auger with no additional soil preparation required.

Forestry Corporation is planning hazard reduction burns in Bodalla State Forest this week after completing a successful hazard reduction in Bermagui State Forest last week. Source: Timberbiz The Derraquin Road hazard reduction burn will be completed north of Narooma and will be highly visible from the Princes Highway and the Narooma mountain bike trails. Forestry Corporation’s Fire and Operations Planner for Southern Region Cooper Ritchie said smoke will be visible from Dalmeny, Kianga, Narooma and Bodalla. “Our hazard reduction burns are conducted under suitable weather conditions, and endeavour to mitigate the impact of smoke on residents, however this may not be achievable in all cases,” Mr Ritchie said. “It is recommended if you or your family are sensitive to smoke to close windows and doors, particularly at night when the smoke settles in low-lying areas. “Motorists are also advised to slow down and drive to conditions on the Princes Highway, and traffic control will be in place,” he said. The Narooma Mountain Bike Trails will remain open during this time with modified traffic on Mitchells Ridge Road. Firefighters from FCNSW will be on site and carefully monitoring the burn. Motorists should obey any road closed signage and directions given by our forest offices and staff. The public is urged to only call 000 if they see an unattended fire. Forestry Corporation, the land manager of two million hectares of state forests in NSW, serves as one of the state’s four firefighting agencies.

For aspiring farmer Kyler Evans, the more he studies agriculture, the more he understands the value that trees can have. The Year 12 Exeter High School student admitted he had little idea of the significant impacts trees can make on the health and productivity of agricultural landscapes until participating in several Forest Education Foundation initiatives over the past couple of years. Source: Timberbiz “Originally, I thought forestry was just putting a tree in the ground, growing it, cutting it down, then you’ve got a book,” Mr Evans, 17, of Launceston, said. “Trees are very helpful when it comes to land management and the land itself. “They provide windbreaks for livestock and cropping, which help with survivability and productivity, and they are great for biodiversity and soil health. “The right tree in the right place can make a huge difference to the landscape.” The FEF, a Private Forests Tasmania Tree Alliance member, provides students throughout Tasmania with quality, hands-on educational experiences and facilitates forestry and agricultural industry engagement with education communities. Mr Evans and his fellow students have taken part in several experiences over the past two years, including planting a 111-hectare mixed-species shelterbelt at Exeter Farm School in 2024, attending a camp at Forico, and visiting Hagley School Farm for an introduction to plantation management and tree pruning, hosted by PFT. Students have gained knowledge and experience in the role of tree farms in the landscape, from seed propagation and plantation establishment to ongoing management, biodiversity conservation, social and cultural values, and fibre product processing. Mr Evans said he was introduced to farming by family members who work in agriculture, and he sees himself joining them once he has finished studying. “A career in some sort of agriculture is probably where I will end up, and a forestry job is not out of the question either, having had a taste of it,” he said. FEF manager Darcy Vickers said having worked with a group of students over an extend-ed period, it was great to see and be part of their growth as they explore new ideas and develop their understanding. “Meeting students like Kyler and being part of their learning journey really is a highlight of being an educator,” he said. “I’m confident Kyler will enjoy his career pathway and I’m sure he will stay connected to and appreciate the value of trees in the landscape.”

New Zealand Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay has launched a public consultation on New Zealand and India’s negotiations of a formal comprehensive Free Trade Agreement. Source: Timberbiz “Negotiations are getting underway, and the public’s views will better inform us in the early parts of this important negotiation,” Mr McClay said. This follows a recent trip to India by New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon during which a Memorandum of Co-operation (MOC) was reached to restart free trade negotiations. Initial negotiations started during 2011 and continued until 2015 but then stalled. Mr Luxon’s trip rebooted the negotiations which, this time, were more successful. The MOC with India includes the export of timber. New Zealand wood and forest product exports to India decreased from a high of NZ$326 million in 2019 to an estimated NZ$76.5 million in 2024 this agreement could improve the situation. Although export opportunities remain for a range of timber and lumber products, the bulk of the export volume and receipts have previously been driven by India’s demand for New Zealand logs. The MOC also lays the groundwork for co-operation on areas such as sustainable forest management, research and innovation, capacity building, and certification. Now the government is offering all interested New Zealanders, including businesses, NGOs, and members of the public the opportunity to make a submission prior to 15 April 2025. With a population of 1.4 billion people and on track to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2030, India holds significant potential for New Zealand and will play a pivotal role in the Government’s goal to double New Zealand’s exports by value over the next ten years. “Alongside trade agreement negotiations, New Zealand will continue to invest in stronger, deeper, more sustainable connections with India across all pillars of the relationship, including our political, defence and security, sporting, environmental, and people-to-people connections,” Mr McClay said. For more information, including on how to make a submission visit: https://www.mfat.govt.nz/have-your-say before 15 April 2025. 

The Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) has launched a candid new video that demonstrates the importance of the essential and sustainable products the timber industry creates. Source: Timberbiz “This video Try living without Aussie timber and paper is the latest development in AFPA’s 2025 Federal Election Campaign following the launch of our policy Platform Australian Timber. Australia’s Future, new billboards in key forestry battleground electorates and the forestfacts.com.au website to counter disinformation being spread about the forestry sector,” AFPA CEO Diana Hallam said. “It’s a comedic and quirky video with AFPA staff acting out each scene but it has a serious message about what life would be like without us. It should serve as a reminder to everyone and particularly our sector’s detractors about how important we are. “Whether it’s timber to build your house, cardboard boxes, furniture or even toilet paper – there is so much our sector is responsible for that we literally cannot live without. We need a strong forest products sector supply chain to ensure we have sovereign capability in timber and wood-fibre, can fight climate change at scale and provide employment for thousands of Australians. “While there are substitutes for the products we need in our daily lives, none are as climate friendly, renewable and sustainable as those originating from timber and wood-fibre. I hope this video can continue to help educate everyone about the importance of Australian forestry,” Ms Hallam said. Watch the video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6D452lywiY

Timber Queensland has acknowledged the outstanding contribution Colin MacKenzie has made to the timber industry both nationally and in Queensland. Mr MacKenzie passed away on 24 March in Brisbane. Source: Timberbiz “It is with heavy hearts, we note the passing of Colin MacKenzie, a visionary in timber engineering, a dedicated contributor to the built environment, a legendry dry-humoured colleague and a friend to so many in our industry nation-wide,” Timber Queensland CEO Mick Stephens said. “His loss will be particularly felt by the many former and current directors and staff of Timber Queensland who have known and worked with Colin over many decades, as well as the hundreds of member companies and technical bodies that relied and benefited from his advice. “Timber Queensland, the broader timber and building industry and the community all owe a great debt to Colin MacKenzie. His tireless work and reputation to develop and educate the industry on relevant timber codes for structural integrity and safety is un-questionable.” Mr MacKenzie passed away on the morning of 24 March in Brisbane aged 75 following a period of illness and is survived by his loving wife Christine and daughters Aleisha and Trina. His influence on the timber and building industries will be felt for generations to come. Affectionally known as ‘The Timber Expert’ due to his skills and experience, his enthusiasm and commitment to timber product education will be hard to replicate. Mr MacKenzie’s journey in engineering began in Melbourne, where he graduated from the Caulfield Institute of Technology in 1974. With over 40 years of experience in all facets of timber and wood product design, use, and application, he became a leading authority in the field, particularly where timber was used in building and construction. His expertise was built from his early days as a Technical Officer with CSIRO’s Divisions of Forest Products and Building Research through to his leadership roles as Technical Director, TRADAC and later Manager of Timber Application and Use with Timber Queensland. His contributions were instrumental in advancing timber construction standards, ensuring structural integrity, and promoting innovative applications for wood products. Over the course of his career, he became a defining figure in timber engineering, working with the Timber Research and Development Advisory Council of Queensland (now Timber Queensland) before establishing MacKenzie Consulting. His work spanned durability design, domestic engineering, and the advancement of Australian Standards and Building Codes. A leader in pioneering timber grading and in-grade testing programs, his impact reached far beyond Australia. He served on numerous Australian Standards Committees including the Timber Structures Committee, the Structural Timbers Committee and the Timber Framing Committee. Internationally, he represented Australia on the ISO TC 165 Timber Structures Committee, ensuring that his expertise shaped the global timber industry. His commitment to education and industry advancement was evident in his contribution to writing numerous technical publications, including the renowned Timber Queensland Technical Data Sheets, Queensland Timber Framing Manuals, Mult-Residential Timber Frame Construction publications, AS 1684, and the Handy Span Tables book. He played a key role in research projects such as Advanced Flooring Re-search, Recycled Timber Grading, and Durability Design, all aimed at strengthening the future of timber construction. Beyond his professional achievements, Mr MacKenzie was recognized with the ‘Stanley A. Clarke Medal’ from the Institute of Wood Science in 1999, an acknowledgment of his outstanding contributions to timber technology. He was also a Registered Professional Engineer in Queensland, a member of the Institute of Engineers, the Building Disputes Practitioners Society, and served on influential committees including the HIA Legal and Technical Committee and the Queensland Building and Construction Commission Industry Reference Group. His legacy is not only in the structures that stand strong today because of his work but in the numerous generations of people he mentored, the standards he helped establish, and the industry he loved and gave so much. Though he is no longer with us, his work remains as a lasting testimony to the industry and the many builders and certifiers that have relied on his knowledge and expertise – solid, resilient, and built to last, just like the timber he so passionately championed. “Given his significant influence spanning decades we know there will be many in the industry who will want to pay their respects, and we are discussing with Colin’s family their wishes for memorial arrangements. In addition, Timber Queensland will be putting in place a lasting legacy to appropriately recognise Colin’s contribution in the field of timber engineering in Australia. We are talking with other industry partners and will be able to make a further announcement at the appropriate time,” Mr Stephens said.

The Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) has welcomed the Federal Government’s investment announcement of $54 million to support prefabricated and modular home construction. Source: Timberbiz AFPA Chief Executive Officer Diana Hallam said Aussie grown, sustainable timber and wood-fibre are key materials resources for the expanding prefabricated and modular construction industry and it’s important the right regulatory guidance and government support framework is set, as demand increases for these new home options. Over the weekend, the Government announced $49.3 million to support state and territory governments to boost prefabricated and modular home construction and $4.7 million for the development of a voluntary national certification process to streamline approvals and standards. “Australia desperately needs new and innovative ways to deliver much needed new homes and the forest products sector has been ahead of the curve diversifying into pre-fabricated and modular housing construction,” Ms Hallam said. “We welcome the Albanese Government’s support to assist state and territory jurisdictions with this expanding form of housing and funding to develop a national voluntary certification process, to assist industry confidence in the manufacturing process. “Just last month, the Productivity Commission recommended a scaling back of ‘unnecessary regulatory impediments’ into new construction methods like prefabricated and modular housing, which is why it’s important that governments work with industries like ours when developing certification processes – and we extend a willing hand to be part of that development process,” she said. “The benefits of using Aussie grown sustainable timber and wood-fibre for housing construction are many. Our materials naturally store carbon and help fight climate change, while our sector supports skilled employment, much of it located in regional Australia. “We thank the Government for this announcement and will work with them and the Dutton led Opposition ahead of the election to ensure our Australian Timber.”