The recent lumber curtailments of major Canadian lumber producers, announced back in the fall and winter of 2018, have seriously impacted the overall Canadian lumber production. Thus, production of lumber in Canada has dipped by -18.4% in December 2018, as compared to November, down to 4 319.2 thousand cubic metres. Production was also lower by 10.8% as compared to December 2017.

Exports of lumber have also seriously shifted downwards. Canadian sawmills shipped 4 294.1 thousand cubic metres of lumber in December, down 18.2% from November and 10.0% lower than in December 2017.

All major forestry companies in B.C. have announced curtailments at their B.C. sawmill for the fourth quarter. In the case of West Fraser Timber Co., the curtailments are permanent.

On November 13, West Fraser announced it is permanently shutting down a third shift at two of its mills – one in Quesnel and the other in Fraser Lake. The company said the decision affects 60 workers in Fraser Lake and 75 in Quesnel.