Lumber Connection Podcast

This SBCA podcast focuses on the latest trends in North American lumber markets. Each week, experts in the lumber industry will provide insight into the latest trends and provide timely commentary on the many factors impacting the supply and demand of the lumber used in structural components. Their commentary and analysis will be focused on the lumber species and grades most commonly used in the component manufacturing industry and will provide information you may find helpful in making your next lumber purchase.

The Lumber Connection podcast series is a result of the work of SBCA’s Strike Force 2, which has as one of its goals to provide tools to component manufacturers to aid in making better decisions regarding the raw materials used in this industry’s products.

We hope you enjoy this podcast. We welcome your feedback and encourage you to submit your questions regarding the lumber market to lumber@sbcacomponents.com. Our guests will attempt to answer your questions in subsequent podcasts.

Disclaimer: The Mission Statement of SBCA includes providing SBCA members with knowledge to enable them to operate successful companies offering competitive advantages where applicable. SBCA believes supply chain information is exactly the type of information that SBCA should therefore be providing its membership. The information and discussion in this podcast is not intended to reduce competition among existing firms or to prevent new firms from entering the supply of materials to the component manufacturing industry. Information presented here is furthermore for discussion and illustrative purposes only and is neither a recommendation nor an offer to buy and sell any commodities. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast by speakers are their own as of the time of the recording and do not reflect the views, opinions, policies, recommendations, or position of SBCA. Any such views are subject to change at any time, based upon market or other conditions, and SBCA disclaims any responsibility to update such views. These views should not be relied on to make purchasing decisions. Neither SBCA nor the speakers are to be held responsible for any direct or incidental loss incurred by applying any of the information included in this podcast.

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Component Connection

SBCA's other podcast, Component Connection, focuses on everything from production and marketing best practices to risk management and leadership tips. We interview fellow component manufacturers and industry experts to tease out valuable nuggets you can use to improve your company.

Listen In


Date: April 14, 2021

Justin Binning, Ken Timmins and John Vranizan with American International Forest Products (AIFP) provide a snapshot of the current lumber market. Justin and Ken observe why the lumber market will continue to trend upward and lumber availability will get more difficult as mill order files get longer. All three also explore ongoing transportation challenges that will get worse before it gets better. Justin has been with AIFP since 2010 with a focus in Southern Yellow Pine and Ken has been with AIFP since 2017, specializing in Fir species. Both specialize in high grade lumber for the component manufacturing industry. John has been president of AIFP since 2011 after 21 years as an award-winning trader at the company.


Date: March 31, 2021

Justin Binning and Ken Timmins with American International Forest Products (AIFP) provide a snapshot of the current lumber market. Both experts look back at their market correction predictions from the last podcast. Ken gives a quick market lesson with a summertime cookout metaphor and Justin gives an update regarding on-going logistics challenges. Justin has been with AIFP since 2010 with a focus in Southern Yellow Pine and Ken has been with AIFP since 2017, specializing in Fir species. Both specialize in high grade lumber for the component manufacturing industry.


Date: March 17, 2021

Justin Binning and Ken Timmins with American International Forest Products (AIFP) provide a snapshot of the current lumber market. Justin thinks we are entering into a buyer’s market and a swift correction on the horizon is possible. Ken says transportation constraints and costs continue to remain high all across the country, and some users are getting creative with species substitution. Justin has been with AIFP since 2010 with a focus in Southern Yellow Pine and Ken has been with AIFP since 2017, specializing in Fir species. Both specialize in high grade lumber for the component manufacturing industry.


Date: March 3, 2021

Justin Binning and Ken Timmins with American International Forest Products (AIFP) provide a snapshot of the current lumber market. Lumber demand is still extremely high, driving new species diversification in certain regions of the country. Buying has fallen off a bit lately, Justin addresses whether a correction coming. Justin has been with AIFP since 2010 with a focus in Southern Yellow Pine and Ken has been with AIFP since 2017, specializing in Fir species. Both specialize in high grade lumber for the component manufacturing industry.

Graph Referenced in the Podcast

Graph showing the end of the Spanish Flu and index of wholesale prices of lumber


Date: February 18, 2021

Justin Binning and Ken Timmins with American International Forest Products (AIFP) provide a snapshot of the current lumber market. Lumber production remains at full capacity (with no short-term solution), while demand continues to stay high. This means lumber continues to be available, but at a high cost. Justin has been with AIFP since 2010 with a focus in Southern Yellow Pine and Ken has been with AIFP since 2017, specializing in Fir species. Both specialize in high grade lumber for the component manufacturing industry.


Date: February 4, 2021

Justin Binning and Ken Timmins with American International Forest Products (AIFP) provide a snapshot of the current lumber market. While lumber production appears in line with capacity, demand continues to outstrip it. Justin and Ken provide some advice on what CMs should do in the short term in this environment and what to expect in the near-future. Justin has been with AIFP since 2010 with a focus in Southern Yellow Pine and Ken has been with AIFP since 2017, specializing in Fir species. Both specialize in high grade lumber for the component manufacturing industry.