North American production of engineered wood products (EWP) declined again in the first quarter of 2015.
In spite of a customary seasonal revival compared to the previous quarter, production volumes of LVL and I-joists were down year on year. The weakening trend already seen in the fourth quarter of 2014 has therefore continued.
While the reason quoted for production cutbacks at the end of 2014 had been primarily the slow recovery of the business situation in new residential building and adjustments to stock, the weak start to 2015 has been partly blamed on the cool weather prevailing in most of the eastern federal states.
North American LVL production has declined year on year by 3%. A moderate minus of 1% in the USA is contrasted by a sharp fall of 17% in Canada.