Upturns in 4/4 and 5/4 Hard Maple prices have been driven almost entirely by lower supply rather than higher demand, with the exception of increased 4/4 #2&3A Common usage by residential flooring manufacturers. Soggy logging conditions in parts of the Northeast, delayed restarts of idled Canadian sawmills, and landowner resistance to current timber prices will drag out the usual 

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fall rebound in Hard Maple production. 4/4 and 5/4 Hard Maple prices will, therefore, continue firming during our two-month forecast window. Beyond that, look for Hard Maple prices to level off before year-end.

Soft Maple sales have emerged from the doldrums over the last few months, with demand picking up from distribution yards, millwork manufacturers and some cabinet and wood component plants. Firming prices and tightening supplies of Hard Maple have also aided the Soft Maple rebound. Production of Soft Maple will increase slightly faster than that of Hard Maple over the next two months because it comprises a larger percentage of standing timber. Soft Maple prices will climb a little while longer, and then level off before Hard Maple.