The Wood and Fiber Supply Chain Experts
Pulpwood Market Trends in the South
From the January 2010 Forest2Mill newsletter.
Pulpwood prices have seen significant increases in the past six
months, an average of more than $3.00/ton. As recently as this past summer, pine pulpwood averaged
$8.56/ton Southwide. Currently, the average price is $11.86/ton. In the summer, hardwood pulpwood
averaged $7.02. Today, the average price is $10.36.
Part of this price appreciation is seasonal. Prices historically increase this time of year
due to the wet winter weather, which restricts loggability and therefore supply. In some spots in
the region, competition for this limited supply is driving the market. Mills are currently carrying
low inventory as a result of the global recession. In order to meet demand that does exist, they
are willing to pay more to get the necessary supply.
Other factors exerting price power include the determination of loggers and dealers to
outlast the recession; some of these operators are paying higher prices because they need the work
in order to stay in business. They are betting that operating at a loss in the short term will
allow them to stay in business in the long term. They may also be betting on the matching payments
from the Biomass Crop Assistance Program to help them make up these losses. BCAP is likely to
continue to impact pulpwood prices in the South, unless the USDA acts to restrict the definition of
eligible materials. (For more details, see BCAP story in this issue of Forest2Mill.)