Why Lumber Prices Are Surging as Housing Slumps

Episode 29 of The Commodities Economy with Fexingo dives into the surprising rally in lumber futures while housing starts and existing home sales are falling. Lucas and Luna examine how sawmill closures, tariffs on Canadian lumber, and a shift toward renovation spending are driving prices higher. With lumber up 18% in May despite a sluggish new-home market, they break down the supply-demand mismatch and what it means for builders, investors, and DIYers. They also connect the rally to broader commodity dynamics: while crude is sliding and gold is hovering near record highs, lumber is quietly outperforming. Key data points include the 4.5% drop in housing starts year-over-year, the 14.5% tariff on Canadian softwood lumber, and the record-low sawmill capacity utilization. If you've wondered why your deck renovation just got more expensive, this episode explains the forces behind the price spike. #Lumber #HousingMarket #Commodities #SoftwoodLumber #Tariffs #Sawmills #Renovation #HomeImprovement #SupplyChain #Inflation #InterestRates #RealEstate #Construction #DIY #LumberFutures #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo