The hardwood chip market in 2005

Abstract

The North American Pulp and Paper industry continues to experience challenges and changes much like most other business sectors of the hardwood industry. Marketing policies and the raw material supply chain of pulpwood and chips are being affected. The issues surrounding supply for pulpwood and chips have a broad reach in affecting timber and log purchases, logging contractors and sawmill operations throughout the hardwood industry, particularly in the Southern region. Availability and pricing of timber and logs can be impacted by positive or negative factors surrounding the pulpwood and chip supply. The success of many logging contractors depends on pulpwood markets. If pulpwood is not in demand or is impacted by negative price circumstances, logging contractors may not be able to operate. A resulting loss of qualified loggers can have a long term impact on overall timber and log supply. Fewer qualified loggers can mean that available timber and/or log sales are restricted or delayed by the harvesting process. Pulpwood and chip supply issues also have a direct bearing on sawmill operations, not only due to the log availability but because the consistent sale and pricing of hardwood residue chips can be an integral part of their business.

Citation

Ince, Peter J. 2005. The hardwood chip market in 2005. Hardwood market report : 9th annual statistical analysis of the North American hardwood marketplace. Memphis, Tenn. : Hardwood Market Report, 2005: p. 84-87.