WOOD BASED PANELS INTERNATIONAL: WHAT IS THE CURRENT STATE OF THE NORTH AMERICAN COMPOSITE WOOD PANELS MARKET?
Composite Panel Association: North American composite panel consumption has been on a downward trend this year compared to 2024. Given the continued slowdown across the sector, CPA is forecasting year-end shipments to decline to levels similar to 2023. CPA remains optimistic that industry shipments will improve in 2026 though it’s uncertain what impact tariffs will have on US markets.
WBPI: HOW HAS THE NORTH AMERICAN ECONOMY AND IMPORTANT HOME BUILDING AND REMODELLING MARKETS FARED IN 2025 AND WHAT ARE THE EXPECTATIONS GOING FORWARD?
CPA: The construction outlook remains weak in the near term as economic uncertainty and tariffs drive up material costs. With the highest US tariff rates in decades, smaller homebuilders face mounting pressure, leading to higher housing costs and slower development. Housing starts are expected to dip in 2025 before recovering modestly in 2026. However, lingering inflation concerns, delayed mortgage rate cuts, and continued affordability challenges suggest the rebound will be slower than previously anticipated.
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