Western Forest Products Inc. (WEF.TO) has announced additional temporary operating curtailments at its British Columbia (B.C.) sawmills for the fourth quarter of 2025. These curtailments, combined with those implemented in the third quarter, are expected to reduce lumber production by approximately 50 million board feet in the second half of the year—representing around 6% of the company's annual lumber capacity.
The decision is driven by continued weak market conditions and a sharp increase in U.S. softwood lumber duties introduced in August 2025. Operational challenges in B.C., including limited access to economically viable log supply, delays in harvesting permits, and an ongoing strike by United Steelworkers Local 1-1937 at the La-kwa sa muqw Forestry Limited Partnership, have further compounded the situation.
Curtailments will be executed through reduced operating hours, an extended holiday break, and adjusted shift schedules. The Chemainus sawmill, which was fully curtailed throughout third quarter 2025, will remain offline for the entire fourth quarter 2025.
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May 08, 2026 15:50 ET Manufacturing and services sector survey results and labor market data from main economies were the highlight on the economics news front this week. Factory orders and jobs report dominated the news flow in the U.S. Similarly, industrial production data from German garnered attention in Europe. In Asia, purchasing managers’ survey results from China and the central bank decision from Australia were in focus.