At International Pulp Week in Vancouver, ERA’s Kevin Mason opened with a stark assessment of geopolitical fragmentation and global trade, while Suzano’s Rodrigo Marchi examined shifting hardwood pulp markets and Numera Analytics’ Joaquín Kritz Lara warned of mounting energy shocks tied to Middle East conflict [the event continues with Tree Frog featuring speakers daily]. In other Business news: Kruger to enter nonwovens sector with new line in Trois-Rivières, Quebec; Minister visits Dunkely Lumber’s Saskatchewan mill; Doman reports Q1, 2026 net earnings; and the US seeks to pause court ruling against 10% global tariff.

In other news: BC sees export growth potential in Middle East markets; a Biomass Magazine feature on new potential markets for pellets; COFI secures FII support for forest education; Forsite branches out with with Flyscan partnership; Alberta tests Autonomous Trucking Tech for the forest sector; the US repeal of Public Lands Rule gets pushback; and the US Intertribal Timber Council is shut out of EUDR relief package.

Finally, and sadly, former Rustad Bros. president and BC forest industry leader Jim Rustad has died at 88.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor