Supply Chain Research

Uncertainty in the lumber industry will continue after Canadian and American negotiators failed to reach a deal regarding Canadian softwood exports ahead of NAFTA talks that start today. The key sticking point has been quota flexibility when demand is high, though that isn’t applicable right now given housing starts grew by just 2% last month. Panjiva data shows imports already slowed in anticipation of duty decisions made on a preliminary basis in June. Canadian shipments dropped 19% on a year earlier, with the rate likely accelerating to 28% in July based on data for the top five expor...