Wood Fiber Costs Remain High For U.s. Pulp Mills

摘要

Wood chip costs in the Western U.S., which have been some of the highest in North America, declined 13% in the third quarter, but are currently still 25% higher than a year ago. Another region in the U.S. that has experienced substantial fiber cost changes this year is the Northeast, where hardwood log prices have increased for five consecutive quarters and currently are 45% higher than a year ago.rnPulp mills in Maine are struggling to supply their mills with wood fiber, and they now have the highest hardwood log costs in North America. Due to the local fiber shortage, mills are importing logs from neighboring states, Canada, and as far away as the Lake States.