Lumber fell to 537 USD/1000 board feet on December 1, 2025, down 1.29% from the previous day. Over the past month, Lumber's price has fallen 1.47%, and is down 9.54% compared to the same time last year, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks the benchmark market for this commodity. Lumber - values, historical data, forecasts and news - updated on December of 2025.

The price of lumber in the United States fluctuated widely over the last five years, from a low of 240 dollars per 1,000 board feet in January 2016 to a peak of over 1,500 dollars in April 2021. This overall increase has not been linear though, with, for example, lumber prices falling by around 50 percent between June and September 2018, and again between August and October 2020. The value fell again by around 75 percent between May and August 2021. As of the end of December 2024, the price of lumber stood at 550.5 U.S. dollars per thousand board feet. Which nations are at the forefront of lumber production? The production of lumber is dependent on the availability of forest resources, market demand, and technological advances. Sustainable forest management practices a continuous supply of timber, while economic factors and construction activity drive demand. Among the countries countries with the largest production of lumber were China and the United States. Other countries with a relatively high lumber production rate were Russia, China, and Brazil.

Graph and download economic data for Producer Price Index by Commodity: Lumber and Wood Products: Lumber (WPU081) from Jan 1926 to Sep 2025 about wood, commodities, PPI, inflation, price index, indexes, price, and USA.

The price of lumber has seen both an overall increase, and large amounts of volatility since 2019. From its low in early April 2020 to its peak in May 2021, the price per 1,000 board feet of lumber increased almost sevenfold, reaching ***** U.S. dollars. Yet, after reaching this peak the price then fell to below *** U.S. dollars per 1,000 board feet in August 2021 before rising again to reach over 1,000 U.S. dollars in the beginning of 2022. Since then, the price per 1,000 board feet of lumber decreased overall, reaching *** U.S. dollars as of January 29, 2025.

Non-seasonal prices paid for softwood lumber in the United States have remained relatively stable since 2023, after reaching a peak in March 2022. While the price of softwood lumber in May 2021 was valued at over 581 index points, that figure dropped to 274 in September of that year. The price of softwood veneer and plywood in the United States has also followed a similar trend.

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The lumber pallet market share is expected to increase by 1561.97 million units from 2021 to 2026, and the market’s growth momentum will accelerate at a CAGR of 5.03%.

This lumber pallet market research report provides valuable insights on the post-COVID-19 impact on the market, which will help companies evaluate their business approaches. Furthermore, this report extensively covers lumber pallet market segmentation by end-user (food and beverage, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, retail, construction, and others) and geography (APAC, North America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and South America). The lumber pallet market report also offers information on several market vendors, including Brambles Ltd., Coxco Inc., Faber Group B.V, FALKENHAHN AG, Greif Inc., John Rock Inc, Kamps Pallets Inc., Leap India Food and Logistics, Millwood Inc., Nefab AB, Pacific Pallets PVT. Ltd, Palcon LLC, PalletOne Inc., PECO Pallet, PGS Group, Rowlinson Packaging Ltd., Shur-way Group Inc., UFP Industries Inc., United Pallet Services Inc., and Yellow Pallet B.V., among others.

What will the Lumber Pallet Market Size be During the Forecast Period?

Download Report Sample to Unlock the Lumber Pallet Market Size for the Forecast Period and Other Important Statistics

Lumber Pallet Market: Key Drivers, Trends, and Challenges

Based on our research output, there has been a positive impact on the market growth during and post-COVID-19 era. The rise in containerization is notably driving the lumber pallet market growth, although factors such as fluctuating lumber prices and shortage of raw materials may impede the market growth. Our research analysts have studied the historical data and deduced the key market drivers and the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on the lumber pallet industry. The holistic analysis of the drivers will help in deducing end goals and refining marketing strategies to gain a competitive edge.

Key Lumber Pallet Market Driver

The rise in containerization is one of the major drivers impacting the lumber pallet market growth. The growth in containerization is increasing the use of lumber pallets because shipping containers have smooth, level surfaces that permit the quick movement of pallets of different sizes using forklifts. The use of lumber pallets makes it easier to move heavy stacks in containers. Before being moved to containers, the individual items are stacked on a lumber pallet to create a unit load. This can be moved easily and loaded onto containers using a pallet jack, forklift, crane, or any other material handling equipment. Therefore, the growth in containerization is expected to lead to a higher demand for lumber pallets during the forecast period.

Key Lumber Pallet Market Trend

The emergence of pallet pooling is one of the major trends influencing the lumber pallet market growth. The emergence of pallet pooling services has enabled end-users to rent pallets at nominal rates for their entire supply chains, thus eliminating the need to buy crates. Renting a pallet from a shared pool offers substantial savings and significant returns on investments to end-users. Also, the reverse supply chain for end-users is handled by the pallet pooling companies. For instance, the pallet pooling companies deliver the pallet in the quantities ordered by end-users and deal with those pallets once they reach the end of the supply chain. Some pallet vendors, such as LEAP India, Brambles, Northwest, and others, also provide pallets on a rental basis. For instance, LEAP India offers pallets for rent to end-users in the e-commerce, automotive, dairy, beverages, pharmaceuticals, and other industries. There is a significant rise in the leasing or renting of pallets by end-users. This, in turn, is likely to increase the trend of lumber pallet pooling during the forecast period.

Key Lumber Pallet Market Challenge

Fluctuating lumber prices and shortage of raw materials are one of the major challenges impeding the lumber pallet market growth. Volatility in the prices of lumber is mainly attributed to a reduction in the availability of wood and lumber in many countries, such as Nigeria, Pakistan, Colombia, and Brazil, as a result of widespread deforestation and the decline in the number of new tree plantations. The increasing capacity expansion in lumber processing plants across India, the UK, and Canada, without taking into consideration the need for the sustainable procurement of raw materials, is increasing the disparities between the demand for and supply of lumber. Owing to such factors, end-users, such as pallet manufacturers, are expected to experience a shortage of timber. As a result of the shortage of timber in the market, pallet manufacturers will find it difficult to complete their orders. Thus, the shortage of lumber and wood products is expected to slow down the growth of the global lumber pallet market during the forecast period.

This lumber pallet mark

Most timber is ultimately used in downstream residential construction markets. Declines in residential construction from a 2021 peak have hurt timber tract operators, as high inflation led to increased interest rates and less demand for new construction. Despite a housing shortage, housing starts fell in 2022 and 2023, creating less need for lumber and causing timber prices to fall from their 2021 levels. This has caused revenue to fall at a CAGR of 3.2% to $1.0 billion in 2025. However, the Federal Reserve has started to cut interest rates and residential construction declines have slowed. This has led to a smaller revenue contraction of 0.4% in 2025. Profit growth in recent years as wood prices have remained elevated above pre-pandemic levels, though they reached a peak in 2021 and have been on the downswing since. When lumber prices began to fall, many small timber tract operators were forced out of the industry. Although small operations still account for the bulk of participation, timber holdings have also increasingly been purchased by institutional investors who seek the highest possible return on the land. This can include sales to real estate developers and could constrain the US timber supply moving forward. Additionally, forestland devastation caused by forest fires has the potential to disrupt the industry. The timber services industry revenue will rise slightly over the coming years. As interest rates fall and construction activity resumes, the price of sawmill timber is expected to grow and strengthen returns. Meanwhile, many wood product manufacturing industries will begin to experience falling import penetration as the value of the US dollar declines, supporting demand for industry services. Construction will likely remain the largest downstream market for timber. Revenue is projected to rise at a CAGR of 1.0% to $1.1 billion over the five years to 2030.

In 2024, the U.S. prefabricated wood building market decreased by -0.9% to $6.9B, falling for the second consecutive year after three years of growth. Overall, consumption recorded a buoyant increase. Over the period under review, the market hit record highs at $7.1B in 2022; however, from 2023 to 2024, consumption failed to regain momentum.

In July 2022, the wood charcoal price per tonstood at $664 per ton, falling by -8.5% against the previous month.

In 2024, the global dissolving grade wood pulp market decreased by -5.4% to $10.3B, falling for the second year in a row after two years of growth. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +1.6% over the period from 2012 to 2024; however, the trend pattern remained consistent, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations in certain years. Over the period under review, the global market hit record highs at $11B in 2022; however, from 2023 to 2024, consumption failed to regain momentum.

The Brazilian wood chips and particles market contracted to $X in 2022, falling by X% against the previous year. In general, the total consumption indicated a measured increase from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of X% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, consumption decreased by X% against 2019 indices. Wood chips and particles consumption peaked at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, consumption remained at a lower figure.

During the review period, Wood Concrete Shuttering and Shingle exports reached a record high of 151K tons in 2022. Unfortunately, from 2023 to 2024, exports failed to regain momentum, with a decline in value to $238M in 2024.

The number of home sales in the United States peaked in 2021 at almost ************* after steadily rising since 2018. Nevertheless, the market contracted in the following year, with transaction volumes falling to ***********. Home sales remained muted in 2024, with a mild increase expected in 2025 and 2026. A major factor driving this trend is the unprecedented increase in mortgage interest rates due to high inflation. How have U.S. home prices developed over time? The average sales price of new homes has also been rising since 2011. Buyer confidence seems to have recovered after the property crash, which has increased demand for homes and also the prices sellers are demanding for homes. At the same time, the affordability of U.S. homes has decreased. Both the number of existing and newly built homes sold has declined since the housing market boom during the coronavirus pandemic. Challenges in housing supply The number of housing units in the U.S. rose steadily between 1975 and 2005 but has remained fairly stable since then. Construction increased notably in the 1990s and early 2000s, with the number of construction starts steadily rising, before plummeting amid the infamous housing market crash. Housing starts slowly started to pick up in 2011, mirroring the economic recovery. In 2022, the supply of newly built homes plummeted again, as supply chain challenges following the COVID-19 pandemic and tariffs on essential construction materials such as steel and lumber led to prices soaring.

Industrial product price index (IPPI), by product by North American Product Classification System (NAPCS) 2017 Version 2.0. Monthly data are available from January 1956. The table presents data for the most recent reference period and the last four periods. The base period for the index is (202001=100).

The U.S. market for uncoated wood free printing and writing papers reduced modestly to $X in 2022, falling by X% against the previous year. Over the period under review, consumption, however, saw a noticeable shrinkage. Consumption of peaked at $X in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2022, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In 2024, the Bangladeshi preservative-treated rough wood market decreased by -6% to $46M, falling for the second year in a row after three years of growth. Overall, consumption, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. Preservative-treated rough wood consumption peaked at $49M in 2022; however, from 2023 to 2024, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In 2022, the production volume of wood logs in Brazil added up to almost ***** million cubic meters, an increase of approximately seven percent in comparison to the previous year. The South American country's output registered a continual increase in the reported period apart from a drop in 2019. The wood production value in Brazil also increase in 2022.

According to Cognitive Market Research, the global Wood Utility Poles market size is USD XX billion in 2023 and will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5% from 2023 to 2030.

The demand for Wood Utility Poles is rising due to the growth in awareness of environmental issues.
Demand for below 40 ft remains higher in the Wood Utility Poles market.
The treated category held the highest Wood Utility Poles market revenue share in 2023.
Asia-Pacific wood utility poles will continue to lead, whereas the North American market will experience the most substantial growth until 2030.

Market Dynamics of Wood Utility Poles Market

Key Drivers of Wood Utility Poles Market

Rising Telecommunication Industry to Provide Viable Market Output

The rising telecommunication industry bolsters the growth of the market. The exponential growth in telecommunication infrastructure, driven by increasing demand for high-speed connectivity and expanding networks, has surged the need for reliable and durable utility poles. Wood utility poles offer a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution, aligning with the sustainable practices adopted by the industry. Wood's natural insulating properties make it a preferred choice for supporting telecommunication lines. As the telecommunication sector expands globally, the demand for wood utility poles is expected to rise, driving market growth.

For instance, China Mobile Limited is one of the world's largest telecommunications employers, with approximately 456,239 people. Verizon offers around 135,000 jobs, while Vodafone employs approximately 92,005 people.

(Source: liluscale.amebaownd.com/posts/36122503)

Replacement of Aged Infrastructure to Propel Market Growth

The replacement of aged infrastructure has significantly impacted the Wood Utility Poles market. Ageing poles pose significant risks as utility poles are critical in supporting overhead power lines and communication cables. Replacement becomes essential to ensure the resilience and reliability of the power distribution network. Ageing poles are susceptible to decay, insect damage, and structural instability, compromising safety and service continuity. Governments and utility providers worldwide are investing in upgrading infrastructure, driving the demand for new, durable wood utility poles. This trend aligns with sustainability goals, as wood poles are environmentally friendly and contribute to a circular economy by utilizing renewable resources to construct critical infrastructure.

For instance, in September 2022, Sparta announced contracting power pole replacements and wire work to upgrade ageing infrastructure in the U.K. It will replace the wooden poles with metal poles.

(Source: www.industry.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-08/senate-order-2022-23-finanical-year.pdf)

Increasing demand for electricity throughout nations is boosting market growth

Restraint Factors Of Wood Utility Poles Market

Limited Supply of Quality Timber to Restrict Market Growth

The limited supply of quality timber constrains the growth of the market. The scarcity of high-quality wood, attributed to deforestation, climate change, and slow tree growth, poses challenges to meeting the rising demand for utility poles. This constraint impacts the utility pole industry, as it relies heavily on durable and robust timber for pole production. As the supply of quality wood diminishes, there is an increased need for sustainable forestry practices and alternative materials to mitigate the adverse effects on the market and ensure the continued reliability of utility pole infrastructure.

Impact Of COVID–19 On The Wood Utility Poles Market

The reduced construction activities and lockdowns led to a temporary decline in demand. However, the market showed resilience due to essential infrastructure projects and increased electricity demand. The market witnessed a gradual recovery as the world adapted to new norms. Innovations in wood treatment technologies and sustainability initiatives also influenced the market's trajectory. Despite challenges, the wood utility poles market demonstrated adaptability and is poised for growth as economies stabilize and infrastructure investments resume. Introduction Of The Wood Utility Poles Market

According to Cognitive Market Research, the global Wood Utility Poles market size is USD XX billion in...

The Argentinian market for uncoated wood free printing and writing papers reduced to $X in 2022, falling by X% against the previous year. Over the period under review, consumption continues to indicate a perceptible setback. Consumption of peaked at $X in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2022, consumption remained at a lower figure.

This statistic displays the export value of forest products from Canada from 2004 to 2022 in billion Canadian dollars, broken down by product type. In 2022, approximately ***** billion dollars of lumber and other sawmill and millwork products were exported, a decrease from about ** billion the previous year.