Canada West Fraser's Williams Lake sawmill implements a four-day work week, and China's timber import supply chain may be affected

West Fraser of Canada temporarily reduced the production capacity of 20% of sawmills in BC due to log supply problems, which may affect the arrival of SPF timber from China in June. Experts suggest paying attention to alternative sources of goods from Russia and logistics solutions for the Port of Vancouver, and the 2×6 specification may become a buffer option.

West Fraser Williams Lake Sawmill Capacity Adjustment Announcement

According to the Williams Lake Tribune on April 10, 2025, West Fraser will implement a two-month four-day work week adjustment at its sawmill in Williams Lake, British Columbia, and the original five-day production plan will be reduced by 20%.

Joyce Wagenaar, West Fraser communications director, said: "Unusually warm weather this winter and delays in logging permits have led to a temporary shortage of logs. All employees have agreed to adopt a four-day work week for the next eight weeks to address supply chain challenges."

Special Notes:Officials made it clear that the adjustment had nothing to do with the current trade dispute.

LumberFlow Expert Interpretation

Key impact on Chinese importers

1. SPF supply calculation:The plant has an annual production capacity of about 450 million board feet (about 1.06 million cubic meters), mainly producing SPF (spruce-pine-fir) standard lumber for Chinese construction. Based on the 20% production reduction, exports to China are expected to decrease by 150,000-180,000 cubic meters in the next two months.

2. Price transmission mechanism:Referring to similar production cuts in Q2 2023, spot prices at Chinese ports usually rise 4-6 weeks after the North American production cut announcement, which may affect the quotations for cargoes arriving at the port in June.

3. Alternative Purchasing Window:Russia's Far East region currently has sufficient inventory (as of the end of March, Vladivostok's inventory increased by 12% year-on-year), but it should be noted that the new EU origin regulations implemented on April 15 may divert some European buyers to Canadian sources.

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