Pulpwood Stumpage Trends: In the first quarter of 2023, statewide pine pulpwood stumpage prices averaged $11.29/ton, while the average hardwood rates were $8.81/ton in South Carolina. It is a dramatic decline in pulpwood prices from the first quarter of last year – pine and hardwood pulpwood stumpages were selling above $14/ton in the first quarter of 2022. Hardwood stumpage prices have declined more than pulpwood prices from the last quarter. Hardwood prices declined by 19%, while pine stumpage declined by less than 2% from the prices in the fourth quarter of 2022 (Q4’22).
Sawtimber Stumpage Trends: Like pulpwood trees, sawtimber stumpage prices also declined in South Carolina. The statewide pine sawtimber prices were $22.46/ton, while mixed hardwood trees sold at $21.60/ton in the first quarter of 2023. Compared with prices in the last quarter, it is a decline of about 5% for both pine and hardwood trees. Stumpage prices for pine and mixed hardwood trees in South Carolina have declined by 9% and 10%, respectively, from the prices in the first quarter of 2022 (Q1’22).
Recent declines in both the lumber market and new housing trends due to uncertain economic environments – higher interest rates, higher inflationary pressure, and market uncertainty with the possibility of a recession in late 2023, could be attributed to a sharp downturn in the stumpage market trends from the last year. The housing market has recently seen a significant slowdown.
Data credit: The sawtimber and pulpwood price data included in this newsletter are published with permission from TimberMart-South Athens, GA 30605 email tmart@timbermart-south.com.
Author(s)
Puskar Khanal, Cooperative Extension, Forestry and Wildlife Specialist
This information is supplied with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement of brand names or registered trademarks by the Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service is implied, nor is any discrimination intended by the exclusion of products or manufacturers not named. All recommendations are for South Carolina conditions and may not apply to other areas.
Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to people of all ages, regardless of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or family status and is an equal opportunity employer.
