Interfor Implements Additional Q4 Lumber Curtailments Across North America

After a similar announcement in September, one of North America's largest lumber producers is planning to deepen cuts to its Q4 output.

Canada-based Interfor says it's forecasting a reduction of lumber production in the fourth quarter of 2025 by approximately 250 million board feet (or 26%) compared to its "more normal" Q2 production levels. (Interfor produced 936 million board feet of lumber in the second quarter of 2025 and approximately 910 million board feet of lumber in the third quarter of 2025.) 

The cuts, which are "due to persistently weak market conditions and ongoing economic uncertainty" — not to mention heavy new tariffs on lumber imports — will affect operations in British Columbia, Ontario, the Pacific Northwest and the South. While the company couches most of the curtailments as temporary measures, there have already been a reported 590 layoffs from Louisiana to British Columbia and Ontario. Interfor says the curtailment volumes are approximately evenly split between Canadian and U.S. operations.

Interfor's announcement comes amid a flare up in the ongoing trade dispute between the U.S. and Canada regarding softwood lumber. With combined tariff and duty rates now exceeding 45% on lumber imports, Canada's government has stepped in to assist its beleaguered forestry industry — initially pledging over $1 billion (CAD) in support and now providing access to an additional $700 million (CAD). But the cuts keep coming. 

“Lumber prices in all regions of North America have continued to weaken, from already unsustainably low levels,” said Ian Fillinger, Interfor’s President & CEO. “Our revised operating plans for the fourth quarter reflect our disciplined approach to match production levels with reduced market demand. While necessary, we fully recognize the impact these actions will have on our employees, contractors, suppliers and communities.”