Lumber prices have rebounded to around $560 per thousand board feet, up from a seven-week low of $531 on December 16th, driven by strong demand and supply constraints. U.S. existing home sales rose by 4.8% in November, the highest in eight months, reflecting growing momentum in the housing market, with more buyers entering as job growth continues, housing inventory rises, and consumers adjust to mortgage rates between 6% and 7%. Additionally, building permits surged by 6.1% in November, the highest level since February 2024, signaling strong future construction activity. On the supply side, production cuts and mill closures are restricting lumber availability as Western Forest Products reduced output by 30 million board feet, and Canfor Corp. shut two mills, cutting annual production by 670 million board feet. These supply limitations, coupled with U.S. tariffs on Canadian softwood lumber and rising import tariffs amid the China trade dispute, are pushing prices higher. [END]