¡¡
Industry trade group says lumber demand may rise next year
Portland, Ore. - December 6 - Repair and remodeling projects will boost lumber consumption
in the United States to record levels next year, according to a new forecast by the
Western Wood Products Association (WWPA).
The trade group predicts that 54.7 billion board feet will be consumed in 2003, an
all-time high. This year, demand is expected to reach 54.3 billion board feet.
Lumber usage in repair and remodeling activities is expected to rise nearly 3 percent,
with non-residential construction, such as schools and churches, increasing by 2.6
percent. However new-home starts, which accounts for the largest lumber consumption, is
predicted to drop slightly.
< The WWPA credits low interest rates and strong refinancing activity with the
anticipated rises in lumber demand. Overall lumber production is expected to reach 35
billion board feet next year |
|
|
