We serve our clients by reporting accurate timber and timberland market data, as well as by providing analysis on current and historic trends and events.

     

    South-wide Stumpage Markets

    Timber prices decreased in the 1st Quarter, as demand was hindered by economic conditions that negatively impacted most forest products markets.

    South-wide average stumpage prices decreased for all five major timber products in the 1st Quarter. In particular, since 1st Quarter 2022, South-wide average prices are down more than $2 per ton (-7%) for pine sawtimber and more than $3 per ton (-14%) for pine chip-n-saw. Pulpwood prices have also experienced a notable decrease since 1st Quarter 2022, with pine pulpwood price down 15% and hardwood pulpwood price down 25% Y/Y.

    Click here to view the 1Q2023 Bulletin

    Stumpage Prices & Publications

    South-wide Average Stumpage Prices

    • Available here (last updated Apr 11, 2023)

    State-wide Average Stumpage Prices

    • Available here (last updated Apr 11, 2023)

    Quarterly Report Distributions

     

    In the News 1Q2023

    Inflation moderated in the 1st Quarter while uncertain demand and labor availability continued to restrain expansion in manufacturing sectors.

    Pulp and paper as well as solid wood markets continued to weaken. Several manufacturers curtailed or shut down facilities and some companies delayed proposed expansions.

    Wildfire burned 123,000 acres nationwide in the 1st Quarter, with roughly 87,000 acres (70%) burned in the South. Acres burned in the South were moderate, lowest since 2020.

    Market Indicators

    US and global economies experienced lower inflation and manufacturing costs in the 1st Quarter, but product demand remained uncertain.

    - Softwood lumber prices increased 2% Q/Q but hardwood lumber prices declined 2%.

    - US residential building construction YTD-February declined 18% from the same period in 2022; however, improvements continued their upwards trend, gaining another 8%.

    - US log and lumber exports weakened further from 2022 levels. Exports totaled 991,000 cubic meters (m3) YTD-February, the latest available, which was down 8% compared to the same period in 2022.