US plywood and panel sellers are grappling with growing uncertainty as tariff concerns disrupt pricing and purchasing behaviour. Although prices remain relatively stable, industry insiders report rising anxiety among buyers, who fear tariffs could trigger sudden cost hikes.
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'Every vendor is issuing tariff notices,' said Dave Norman of Parkerville Wood Products, Connecticut. 'Everyone's on edge, expecting at least a 10 percent increase, even on domestic goods.' Much of the US plywood supply comes from Canada, Asia, and the Baltic region, with Canadian imports facing growing scrutiny.
Suppliers are struggling with pricing guarantees, now often limited to just seven days, an issue for long-lead construction jobs. Norman added that shipments are also delayed by complicated tariff paperwork and container logistics, leading some buyers to shift toward local sourcing.
Michael Johnsa of Suwanee Lumber in Georgia noted that following the sweeping tariff announcements in April, consumer expectations of higher prices have driven a significant rise in stockpiling. 'In the past month, we've sold 20 to 30 percent more than usual,' he said. While the tariffs aren't currently imposing major costs, industry sentiment points toward continued price rises over the coming months as uncertainty persists.
Source: www.globalwood.org
