The release of a five-year outlook report by R.E. Taylor & Associates profiling the global pine moulding and millwork industry suggests that the party in the U.S. market will be over soon and it will be back to more competitive prices and normal margins. The rapid run-up in U.S. moulding prices in 2004 broke all records-a result of exceptionally strong demand but also horrendous ocean transportation problems in getting Southern Hemisphere lumber and mouldings to the U.S. market. Soaring shipping rates and shortages of ships came at a time when U.S. housing and repair/remodeling activity was hitting all-time highs, causing prices to spike by 50 to 100 percent, depending on the product.
To read the release in its entirety, CLICK HERE.