EP 185: Something Has to Give in Lumber — Dustin Jalbert

AI, data centers and lumber? They’re more connected than you might think.

Dustin Jalbert, Economist and Director of Wood Products & Timber at Fastmarkets, joins The Lumber Word to break down a North American lumber market where supply, imports, species and demand are all shifting at the same time.

The episode closes with the indicators Dustin believes lumber participants should be watching — and a moving tribute from Matt to longtime lumberman Dick Opperman.

Same industry. Deeper conversations.

TIMELINE

00:00 — Where is the lumber market right now?

The crew opens with inventories, falling prices, freight costs and slowing seasonal demand.

05:03 — AI and lumber? A preview of what’s coming

Dustin explains why seemingly unrelated parts of the economy eventually intersect with lumber.

~08:00 — Canadian duties and the supply question

What changing Canadian lumber duties could mean for production, curtailments and SPF returning to the

U.S. market.