US sawmills warn of accelerating closures as tariffs and weak demand squeeze hardwood sector

US hardwood sawmills are reporting a steady rise in permanent closures as prolonged trade disputes, deteriorating export markets and competition from lower-priced wood substitutes continue to limit profitability across the sector. Data from industry monitoring bodies show that closures have been accumulating at a faster pace in recent months. More than 4% of US sawmills have been removed from the national operating base through shutdowns or consolidation, and sector estimates indicate that at least one additional facility is exiting the market each week. The reduction is now visible in multiple producing regions, including the Southeast and the Midwest ...