Daily News for January 07, 2026

Today’s Takeaway

BC Premier leads trade mission to India to counter US tariffs

Tree Frog Forestry News
January 7, 2026
Category: Today's Takeaway

BC Premier Eby will lead a trade mission to India, seeking diversification to counter US tariffs. In related news: Maine’s Woodland Pulp mill reopens to New Brunswick wood; the future of Domtar’s shuttered Crofton mill is in play—as job fair takes place for impacted workers; lumber futures drop, US consumer confidence declines; China faces economic headwinds; and ResourseWise releases it’s 2026 forecast.

In Wood Product news: Santa Monica is starting a Mass Timber Accelerator pilot program; BC Wood launches its 2026 Export Readiness Training program; and a new study says bamboo tissue has a larger carbon footprint than wood-based tissue. In Forestry news: Concordia University says Indigenous-led conservation efforts are working; progress and pitfalls in the race to end deforestation; the fungi helping kill the invasive emerald ash borer; and the role of pyrolysis as a forest management tool.

Finally, don’t miss out on the 81st Annual Truck Loggers Association Convention & Trade Show.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

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Business & Politics

Industry eyes Crofton mill as replacement talks begins

By Justin Baumgardner
My Cowichan Valley Now
January 6, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, Canada West

Proponents from across the country have put forward ideas to repurpose the Crofton mill, including manufacturing, real estate and commercial uses. Domtar previously announced the mill would cease production, a move that would result in the loss of about 350 jobs and millions of dollars in property tax revenue for North Cowichan. Mayor Rob Douglas said the municipality would prefer to see industrial activity resume at the site to help bring workers back, but remains open to any proposal that would generate revenue and support the community. …Douglas said several companies have expressed interest since Domtar announced the closure last year, and discussions with the premier and other members of the provincial government have left him optimistic about the site’s future. …Ideas under consideration include another mill, an employee ownership model similar to Harmac in Nanaimo, real estate development, manufacturing facilities and a racetrack.

Related coverage in the Cowichan Valley Citizen, by Robert Barron: Job fair for workers at Crofton pulp mill planned for Jan. 15

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Look West: Premier’s mission to India supporting good jobs for British Columbians

By the Office of the Premier
Government of British Columbia
January 6, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada West

Premier David Eby will lead a trade mission to India promoting British Columbia’s businesses, critical minerals and sustainable wood products, supporting work to build a more independent economy and creating more good jobs for people in British Columbia. … “India is a key market for B.C. with enormous opportunities for trade. This trade mission is about deepening our relationships, supporting good jobs in B.C. and strengthening our position as the economic engine of the new Canadian economy,” Premier Eby said. As India moves toward becoming the world’s third-largest economy, the Premier will highlight opportunities for sustainable forestry, clean energy and responsible mining through new partnerships that are available only in B.C. …During the mission, from Jan. 12-17, 2026, Premier Eby, along with Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth, will meet with government and business leaders in major centres of commerce and technology, such as New Delhi, Mumbai, Chandigarh and Bangalore.

Additional coverage in the Nanaimo News Bulletin, by Mark Page: Premier David Eby embarking on trade mission to India

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Pulp Friction – A bird’s-eye view of the Crofton mill

By Zoe Blunt, Editor and director of Forest Action Network
The Watershed Sentinel
January 6, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, Canada West

After decades of protests, environmental violations, government fines, and civil claims, it’s the end of an era. Crofton’s embattled pulp mill is shutting down after 68 years, leaving 350 workers without jobs and destabilizing dozens of businesses in the region. “The Crofton mill has been challenged for some time now,” Domtar’s Steve Henry said in December 2025. …The mill was once part of a recycling system of sorts; it was designed to turn waste from sawmills into energy, pulp, and paper. But a wave of sawmill closures has decimated BC’s pulp and paper industry. …The Crofton mill was so starved for feedstock it was reportedly importing wood chips from the US. …It’s possible that Domtar will try to sell the mill, or that it could become a worker-invested partnership like the Harmac mill, but prospective purchasers will certainly be wary of the toxic baggage and legal liabilities it carries.

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Don’t miss out on the 81st Annual Truck Loggers Association Convention & Trade Show

BC Truck Loggers Association
January 7, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada West

The convention is right around the corner and we’d love to see you! Tickets are selling quickly so be sure to get yours before they’re gone! This year’s event offers TLA members and non-members an all-inclusive registration pass, granting access to all sessions and events throughout the convention. Tickets to Suppliers Night, Lunch on the Trade Show Floor and the Loggers’ Dinner and Comedy Theatre can be purchased on an individual basis. Accommodation can be booked at the Westin Bayshore Hotel through the Read More link below. We will again be hosting a Live and Silent Auction at Suppliers’ Night on Friday, January 16, 2026. Donated items raise significant revenue for our TLA Forestry Education Fund which largely supports forestry student scholarships.

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One of Maine’s largest mills reopens to New Brunswick wood

By Adam Huras
The Telegraph-Journal
January 6, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, United States, US East

One of Maine’s largest mills is again accepting Canadian wood from New Brunswick, after briefly halting shipments citing the cost of American tariffs. Woodland Pulp in Baileyville, Maine – situated on the banks of the St. Croix River a short drive across the border from St. Stephen – stopped purchases of New Brunswick timber in mid-October in the aftermath of higher US tariffs. Shortly after, it shut down completely for 26 days, citing a challenging global pulp market. That led to the temporary lay off of 144 employees. But now back in operation, Woodland Pulp says its full complement of staff is returning and that the decision was made to restart accepting Canadian fibre, including wood chips. …Spokesperson Scott Beal said it remains unclear how much the mill will purchase from New Brunswick sources going forward.. …Tariffs are paid by the importer. [to access the full story a Telegraph-Journal subscription is required]

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Finance & Economics

Lumber Futures Drop Below $530

Trading Economics
January 6, 2026
Category: Finance & Economics
Region: Canada, United States

Lumber futures slid below $530 per thousand board feet, testing the lowest levels since October 2024, as weak near-term demand collided with abundant and re-emerging supply. Homebuilding activity remains subdued and mortgage borrowing costs are still elevated, restraining new starts and repair and remodel demand, while US housing starts have softened and 30-year mortgage rates entered January little changed near the mid-6% range. At the same time structural supply pressures are returning, with several panel and OSB mills ramping up or preparing to add capacity and shifts in North American output seeing Canadian curtailments largely offset by higher production in the US South, keeping physical availability ample and capping any upside. In the meantime, inventory and futures market activity increased over the holiday period, amplifying downside moves when buyers stayed sidelined after year-end and seasonal restocking remained muted. [END]

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ResourceWise’s 2026 Pulp, Paper, and Forest Products Industry Predictions

By Pete Stewart and Matt Elhardt
ResourceWise Forest Products Blog
January 6, 2026
Category: Finance & Economics
Region: United States

The pulp, paper, and forest products industry endured another year of uncertainty and significant change in 2025. From new tariffs and widespread mill closures to persistent overseas overcapacity, the market experienced profound and ongoing transformation. …Below are seven predictions we believe will shape the pulp, paper, and forest products industry in 2026.

  • Supply Chain Transparency Will Deepen Despite Regulatory Delays
  • Chinese Overcapacity and Exports Will Reshape Global Trade and Pricing
  • Carbon Ownership Will Become a Major Source of Value and Conflict
  • Financial Stress Will Accelerate Consolidation and Privatization
  • Lumber Markets Will Remain Under Pressure Until Capacity Exits
  • Containerboard Markets Will Tighten in Late 2026, While Paperboard Struggles
  • Latin American Buyers Will Gain an Advantage in US Asset Acquisitions

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US consumer confidence weakened for a fifth consecutive month

The Conference Board
January 1, 2026
Category: Finance & Economics
Region: United States

The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index® declined by 3.8 points in December to 89.1, from 92.9 in November. …The Present Situation Index—based on consumers’ assessment of current business and labor market conditions—plummeted by 9.5 points to 116.8 in December. The Expectations Index—based on consumers’ short-term outlook for income, business, and labor market conditions—held steady at 70.7. The Expectations Index has now tracked under 80 for 11 consecutive months, the threshold below which the gauge signals recession ahead. The cutoff for preliminary results was December 16, 2025. “Despite an upward revision in November related to the end of the shutdown, consumer confidence fell again in December and remained well below this year’s January peak. Four of five components of the overall index fell, while one was at a level signaling notable weakness,” said Dana M Peterson, Chief Economist.

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US Mortgage Rates End 2025 at the Lowest Level of the Year

By Catherine Koh
NAHB Eye on Housing
January 6, 2026
Category: Finance & Economics
Region: United States

Long-term mortgage rates have been declining since mid- 2025 and ended the year at their lowest level since September 2024. According to Freddie Mac, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.19% in December, 5 basis points (bps) lower than November. Meanwhile, the 15-year rate declined 3 bps to 5.48%. Compared to a year ago, the 30-year rate is lower by about half a percentage point, or 53 basis points (bps). The 15-year rate is also lower by 45 bps. …Falling lower mortgage rates have started to translate into gains as existing home sales edged up slightly in November. However, this increase remains limited as mortgage rates above 6% are still considered elevated. Nonetheless, as financing costs continue decline, more households are likely to reenter the housing market. …NAHB expects the 30-year mortgage rate to average 6.17% in 2026 and would reach 6% by 2027.

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Weak global demand hits China’s timber industry

The Sarawak Tribune
January 7, 2026
Category: Finance & Economics
Region: International

KUCHING, Malasia — Chinese timber companies are struggling in their businesses due to insufficient orders for their products amid a weak global market. They have complained about poor demand in the timber market and intense competition in terms of product prices. Adding to their woes are rising raw material costs, according to the key challenges reported in the Global Timber Index-China Index report in November 2025. …To mitigate the challenges, Chinese enterprises suggested the need to expand into international markets to increase the volume of orders for their products, and called for government policy support for their operations. …Back home, China reported strong domestic retail sales of furniture, reaching 17.9 billion yuan in October, a 9.6 per cent increase from a year ago. …In a related development, China reported a robust export market for its particleboard, which surged by 67 per cent in volume.

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Wood, Paper & Green Building

Join the BC Wood Export Readiness Training Program Starting Jan 27!

The BC Wood Specialties Group
January 7, 2026
Category: Wood, Paper & Green Building
Region: Canada West

Ready to take your wood products business global? The BC Wood Export Readiness Training Program is a 9-module virtual course designed to equip value-added wood product companies with the tools for international success. Join our 6-week course for wood manufacturers and unlock strategies to thrive! The cost is $189 per person OR $299 for 2 people from the same company. You DO NOT need to be a BC Wood member to participate in this course. A Zoom link will be sent to you closer to the date. Jan. 27 – Mar. 12, 2025 | 8:30am – 10:00am PST | Tuesdays & Thursdays | Zoom

Topics include:

  • Preparing for Successful Export
  • Updating Products & Localization: requirements for wood products in global markets
  • International Marketing: marketing in international markets, culture & formats
  • Selling Direct vs. Through Partners
  • Top Global Markets for Expansion
  • International Pricing and Contracts: pricing, margins, and contract practices
  • International Finance
  • Operations, HR & International Logistics
  • Funding Available for International Expansion

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How to harness the power of our interior spaces to soothe and uplift

By E.J. Iannelli
The Inlander
January 6, 2026
Category: Wood, Paper & Green Building
Region: United States

…Biophilia — a concept that’s been introduced in the pages of Health & Home before — is a term coined by the sociologist Erich Fromm and later adopted by biologist Edward O. Wilson in a 1984 book of the same name. Bill Browning, co-founder of the New York City-based sustainability consulting firm Terrapin Bright Green and chair of the Biophilic Institute, defines it as the “innate affiliation of humans to other living organisms and lifelike processes.” …Browning’s firm published a paper in 2022 titled “The Nature of Wood,” which distilled the available research on why people tend to gravitate to wood as a natural material. …Browning’s company has summarized some of biophilia’s high-level takeaways in a paper called “14 Patterns of Biophilic Design: Improving Health & Well-Being in the Built Environment.” In it, they outline how light, water, airflow and even a very primal sense of safety can positively affect cognitive performance as well as our mind-body relationship.

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Santa Monica Starting Mass Timber Accelerator Pilot Program

By Danny Jones
Canyon News
January 6, 2026
Category: Wood, Paper & Green Building
Region: United States

SANTA MONICA — The city of Santa Monica posted that it is starting a Mass Timber Accelerator, a year-long pilot program for developers interested in exploring the use of mass timber. …Santa Monica’s Mass Timber Accelerator is part of the Accelerator Cities Program—co-funded by the Softwood Lumber Board and the USDA Forest Service—which provides a structured pathway for local governments to explore, implement, and showcase the benefits of advanced wood building systems. Through the program, Santa Monica and participants will receive financial, technical, and educational support from federal and industry partners. Participants will receive expert assistance from WoodWorks on structural design, fire resistance, code compliance, and detailing of mass timber systems. …Applications can be completed via the Use the Santa Monica Mass Timber Application Guide. Applications are due to the Office of Sustainability & the Environment on February 27, 2026.

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The Surprising Truth About Bamboo Tissue’s Carbon Footprint

By North Carolina State University
SciTechDaily
January 6, 2026
Category: Wood, Paper & Green Building
Region: US East

Bamboo tissue’s green image fades once you factor in coal-powered manufacturing. Bamboo tissue paper produced in China has become a popular option for shoppers looking to reduce their environmental impact. Despite its green reputation, new research suggests these products may not deliver the climate advantages many consumers expect. In some cases, bamboo tissue may even have a greater environmental footprint than tissue made in the United States. A recent study from researchers at North Carolina State University examined the carbon footprint of bamboo tissue manufactured in China and compared it with conventional wood-based tissue produced in the U.S. and Canada. The analysis showed that bamboo as a raw material does not generate more greenhouse gas emissions than wood. The larger issue comes from energy use. China’s electricity system relies heavily on fossil fuels, which significantly increases emissions during manufacturing compared with the cleaner energy mix used in North America.

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Deforestation: Council signs off targeted revision to simplify and postpone the regulation

Council of the European Union
December 18, 2025
Category: Wood, Paper & Green Building
Region: International

The Council formally adopted a targeted revision of the EU regulation on deforestation-free products (EUDR), aimed at simplifying its implementation and ensuring that operators, traders and authorities are adequately prepared for its application. The revision streamlines the due diligence requirements and postpones the application of the regulation for all operators until 30 December 2026, with an extra six-month cushion for micro and small operators. This responds to concerns raised by member states and stakeholders regarding administrative burden and the readiness of the IT system necessary for the effective functioning of the EUDR, while fully preserving the regulation’s objectives of preventing deforestation and forest degradation linked to products placed on the EU market. To further reduce administrative burden, certain printed products (such as books, newspapers, printed pictures) were removed from the scope of the regulation, reflecting the limited deforestation risk associated with these items.

Additional coverage by Gordon Murray, Wood Pellet Association of Canada: WPAC discusses EUDR amendment

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Forestry

Indigenous-led conservation efforts match or surpass similar initiatives when properly funded, new research shows

By Patrick Lejtenyi
Concordia University
January 6, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada East

Federally funded Indigenous-led conservation programs are delivering highly effective climate and biodiversity outcomes, aligning with national greenhouse gas mitigation and biodiversity goals, according to a new paper led by Concordia researchers. Writing in the journal Earth’s Future, the authors say these programs, as Indigenous-led Nature-based Solutions (NbS), can be just as or even more effective at carbon storage and biodiversity conservation as conventional national and provincial parks. “Most of the knowledge we have about Indigenous-led conservation efforts comes from countries in the tropics,” says lead author Camilo Alejo, a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Geography, Planning and Environment. “We want to explore the effect of government support on Indigenous-led initiatives in the Canadian context.” The study examines two Indigenous-led NbS: the Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCA) and the Indigenous Guardians programs.

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The Race To End Deforestation: Progress, Pitfalls, And What’s Next

By Mindy Lubber, CEO of sustainability NGO Ceres
Forbes Magazine
January 6, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: United States

Between the attention on forests at COP30, emerging regulations, and many corporate pledges, 2025 was slated to be the year that companies eliminate the practice within their supply chains of clearing forests and natural landscapes for production. As the calendar has turned to 2026, the truth is that we now know that dozens of the most at-risk companies have not reached that goal – but a few market leaders are proving that cleaning up supply chains is possible. Let’s be clear: Protecting forests makes economic sense. Industries depend on the benefits that natural ecosystems provide to grow food, transport goods, and manufacture products. Harming nature poses compounding financial risks to companies and their investors. …Growing awareness of the risks of biodiversity decline and the advantages of acting quickly have spurred private sector action in recent years, and we saw more positive developments unfold last year.

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‘Killer fungi’ targets a beetle that’s destroying American Ash forests

By Adrian Villellas
Earth.com
January 6, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: United States, US East

Emerald ash borers have carved a deadly path through North America’s ash trees, leaving foresters with few practical options at large scales. Now, scientists in Minnesota have uncovered an unexpected ally already living in those forests: native fungi that can rapidly kill the invasive beetles. In lab tests, four locally sourced fungal strains cut emerald ash borer survival to just a few days, pointing to a new, biologically based way to slow the pest’s spread. The research was led by Colin Peters, a graduate researcher in plant pathology at the University of Minnesota. The emerald ash borer, an invasive beetle from East Asia, has already killed millions of ash trees across North America. Since it was first detected near Detroit, the insect has spread to 37 U.S. states and six Canadian provinces. …The study is published in the journal Forests.

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Carbon, Climate & Bioenergy

Pyrolysis as a Strategic Instrument in Modern Forest Management

By Wayne Shen
Earth
January 6, 2026
Category: Carbon, Climate & Bioenergy
Region: International

Forest management has entered a phase defined by competing pressures. Fire risk is rising. Biomass residues are accumulating. Carbon accounting expectations are tightening. Pyrolysis has emerged as a technical lever capable of addressing these constraints simultaneously. Its value lies not in abstract sustainability claims, but in its operational and ecological consequences when integrated into forestry systems. Reducing Fuel Load and Wildfire IntensitymOne of the most immediate benefits of pyrolysis in forest management is fuel load reduction. Thinning operations, deadwood removal, and post-harvest residues generate large volumes of low-grade biomass. When left unmanaged, this material increases wildfire probability and severity. …When treated as an ancillary technology, pyrolysis underperforms. When embedded as a strategic tool, it amplifies the effectiveness of existing management practices. Pyrolysis contributes by connecting fuel reduction, carbon management, soil health, and economic viability within a single operational logic. 

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