AFPA-member companies produced 822 million board feet of lumber in the 1Q 2015 with a value of $312 million. Compared to the 1Q 2014, production increased by 76 million board feet (10.2%) and values increased by $10 million (3.4%). For the 2Q 2015, companies produced 896 million board feet of lumber valued at $299 million. This represents an increase of 25 million board feet (2.9%) from the 2Q 2014, but shipment values declined by $19 million (6.1%).
AFPA-member panelboard operators produced 301 million square feet of 7/16 inch equivalent product in the 1Q 2015, valued at $96 million. Compared to the 1Q 2014, production increased by 10 million square feet (3.5%), and values increased by $5 million (5.2%). In the 2Q 2015, companies produced 282 million square feet of panel valued at $88 million. Compared to the 2Q 2014, panel production declined 8 million square feet (2.6%) and values dropped by $3 million (3%).
Pulp and paper sector production by AFPA-member companies for the 1Q 2015 was 378,100 air dried metric tonnes (ADMT) valued at $342 million. Production was down 10,500 ADMT (2.7%) from the same period in 2014, but stronger prices caused values to increase by $17 million (5.1%). In the 2Q 2015, pulp and paper production was 376,300 ADMT valued at $331 million. This represents a decline of 15,000 ADMT (3.8%) from the 2Q 2014, while values increased $12.6 million (4%).
"Our industry has many opportunities that bode well for the future," said AFPA President and CEO Paul Whittaker. “We have seen an increase in the generation of green power, development of markets abroad, and the use of cutting-edge technology in facilities.” Whittaker noted that despite some positive news, the industry also faces a number of challenges, including the expiration of the Softwood Lumber Agreement with the United States, the mountain pine beetle, and a slowing economy in Canada. “Some of these challenges are certainly contributing to slower growth in the sector. Now, more than ever, it is important for the forestry sector, government, and communities to work closely together to ensure that the forest industry remains a vital contributor to Alberta.”
The Alberta Forest Products Association is a private, non-profit industry organization, representing lumber, panelboard, pulp and paper, and secondary manufacturing wood products companies operating in Alberta.