EP 157: Euro Pressure, Pine Pivots & A Flattening Curve

The Lumber Word · Feb 21, 2026 · 46m

This week, we welcome Thomas Mende back to break down what’s really happening in the lumber market.

Eastern Spruce is showing selective discounts (especially 16’s), Southern Pine had midweek block buying, and Western low-grade is tight while higher grades sit. Are we finally near equilibrium?

Thomas walks through European production declines, rising log costs, and why tariffs alone don’t drive shipments — economics do. Canadian shipments are down sharply year over year, and when you combine that with slightly softer housing starts, supply and demand may be closer than most think.

We also dig…