Domestic hardwood demand has slowed but lagging production increases will push year-end prices higher.

North American hardwood lumber exports slowed in July due to summer holidays, Ramadan, as well as ample supplies in some countries, which kept many international buyers off the market in July.

Hardwood lumber demand remains strong but growth is expected to slow in second half due to decline in remodeling projections and residential construction.

Hardwood lumber sales remained brisk and prices continued to rise across a wide range of species, grades and thicknesses.

With cabinet and furniture sales improving the price of cherry is expected to firm over the next two months. Walnut exports to the Far East surge.

Gains in residential and commercial construction will help spur sales for red oak and poplar. Exports also remain brisk. The outlook for white oak, however, is not as good.

Improving economy and housing market will increase domestic wood furniture sales but tight lumber supplies could lead to higher hardwood prices.

Business for hardwood lumber companies continues to show improvement with higher demand noted from architectural millwork and commercial fixture manufacturers.

Hard maple prices expected to climb on cabinets sales and poplar demand will increase on growth in remodeling, homebuilding and commercial construction.

If domestic and export demand for North American hardwood lumber both increase over the next six months, as expected, the hardwood industry may find it difficult to produce enough lumber.