We serve our clients by reporting accurate timber and timberland market data, as well as by providing analysis on current and historic trends and events.

    South-wide Stumpage Markets

    Overall, timber prices increased in the 4th Quarter amid the continued recovery of the US economy from the onset of COVID-19 pandemic. Wood products and paper products industries both experienced growth this quarter. Winter logging conditions constrained supply and together with steady demand drove prices upward.

    South-wide average stumpage prices increased for four of the five major products this quarter. This upward price movement was in line with seasonal, wintertime trends that have seen prices increase quarter-over-quarter (Q/Q) in the 4th Quarter in eight of the last 10 years for pine sawtimber and in 15 of the last 17 years for pine pulpwood.

    Click here to view the 4Q2020 Bulletin

    Stumpage Prices & Publications

    South-wide Average Stumpage Prices

    • Available here (last updated Jan 14, 2021)

    State-wide Average Stumpage Prices

    • Available here (last updated Jan 14, 2021)

    Quarterly Report Distributions

    In the News 4Q2020

    New, upgraded, and restarted softwood sawmills dominated the news in the fourth quarter. Three more new softwood sawmills were announced this quarter, adding to the two announced last quarter. Expansion projects are in progress at six sawmills across the South with restarts expected at three idle facilities.

    Increased virgin and recycled linerboard production along with the decline of paper production is shifting the South's pulp and paper product mix.

    Market Indicators

    Market conditions continued to improve for both wood products and pulp producers in the 4th Quarter, but the economy continued to encounter disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

    - Softwood lumber prices eased downward from record highs set last quarter, down 22% Q/Q but up 99% Y/Y. Hardwood lumber prices also increased, up 11% both Q/Q and Y/Y.

    - Softwood pulp prices increased, up +4% Q/Q, while hardwood pulp prices were unchanged.

    - US building construction remained strong this quarter, up 7% from the same period in 2019. Remodeling and improvement expenditures YTD-November were up 18% compared to the same period last year.

    - US log and lumber exports were weaker than in 2019. Exports totaled 6.3 million cubic meters YTD-November, the latest available, which was down 7% compared to the same period in 2019.

    - Crude oil prices averaged $47 per barrel in December, up Q/Q but down Y/Y. Natural gas and diesel prices were both up slightly compared to last quarter.

    - Financial markets made steady gains this quarter. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) increased 10% Q/Q and closed out December at 30,606, the high for the year.