(Reuters) - Forestry company Conifex Timber said on Friday it will temporarily curtail operations at its sawmill in Mackenzie, British Columbia, in response to continued weakness in the North American lumber market.

The curtailments will begin on December 15, for a planned four-week duration, Conifex said, adding that it is expected to reduce production by roughly 13 million board feet.

The North American timber industry has gone through several curtailments in response to U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to implement tariffs of 10% on imports of timber and lumber.

Prices for Spruce Pine Fir lumber have also declined sharply over the last few months due to a slowdown in new residential construction and elevated interest rates, putting pressure on cash margins for companies such as Conifex.

The company said it does not anticipate any challenges in securing sawlogs to maintain capacity operations in the future, once market conditions permit a return to full operations. It also expects to see gradual recovery in demand in the second half of 2026.
 
Source: usnews.com