Sawmill Production Virtually Flat for Second Year in 2025

Charlotte, NC, January 6, 2026-Sawmill production has remained largely flat for two years, despite an annual revision showing output 7.5% above 2017 levels and capacity peaking in late 2024, reports Truist. 

“In Q2 2025, production was up 0.9% from Q1 and is just 0.3% higher than 2023 levels, while capacity fell 1.2% q/q but remains 4.5% above Q2 2023. Utilization rates have trended downward since 2017 due to added capacity and stagnant output, contributing to lumber price declines and sawmill curtailments. Employment has also dropped without impacting production, likely due to automation and technological upgrades enabling higher output with fewer workers.”