Douglas-fir Log Price Trends
Log Prices
Figure 1 shows Douglas-fir log prices since 1985. Some notes:
1. The sharp rise in the early 1990s was caused by the halting of timber harvesting on western National Forests.
2. The sharp drop in the late 1990s was caused by the collapse of several economies in Southeast Asia
3. The general increase between 2010 and 2018 was partly the result of an improving US economy and strong demand for logs and lumber from China.
4. The peak in early 2018 reflects the tariff war between the US and China.
Figure 1. Douglas-fir Prices (nominal $)
Sources: Pacific Rim-Wood Market Report, Log Lines, Oregon Department of Forestry and Oregon/Washington Log Market Report
