Supply Chain Research

The U.S. Department of Commerce has delayed a trade case decision regarding Canadian lumber exports for a second time. A preliminary determination will now be made in June 23. This is likely due to a desire to reach a new Softwood Lumber Agreement instead, possibly as part of renewed NAFTA negotiations. The timing of the latter is uncertain, so further delays to the lumber case are possible. Panjiva data shows shipments have started to fall, having dropped 16% in February vs. the September peak in dollar terms. They declined by another 5% when measured by volume in March.