On May 22, Hardwood Publishing released its updated Leading Hardwood Demand Indicator (LHDI), a forecast of future demand for U.S. hardwood lumber based on residential and commercial construction, import/export trends, inflation levels, and job markets.

Hardwood Publishing says its latest Leading Hardwood Demand Indicator (LHDI), while rising in the March through May 2015 period, is falling behind the levels of 2014.

Demand trends for individual hardwood species have been a mixed bag in October. Ash markets continue to be characterized by low supply, fair demand, and relatively few price movements.

The wood manufacturing industry outlook remains optimistic, though there are warning signs to watch in both the near and long terms, and domestic and international markets.

Red Oak prices have taken a beating lately, but recent market developments suggest the bottom is near. Demand is also decent from stair and millwork producers and from cabinet manufacturers serving both the single-family and multi-family markets.

U.S. hardwood lumber exports totaled 134 million board feet in July, down 4% from the prior month, but 18% above the July record set one year earlier.

Hardwood Publishing recently released the updated Leading Hardwood Demand Indicator (LHDI), a forecast of future demand for U.S. hardwood lumber based on residential and commercial construction, import/export trends, inflation levels, and job markets.

The LHDI falls back to 126.8 in September, as exports to Europe and Latin America recede from August levels, and slow existing home sales begin to impact remodeling activity.

Demand for hickory from residential flooring factories in the U.S., China and Mexico has expanded so quickly that producers are no longer able to keep up.

Hardwood lumber production will continue to increase as summer log availability allows mills to ramp up to serve improving domestic demand and strong export markets.