Alberta’s forest product companies continued to enjoy a profitable year in the third quarter of 2013.
The Alberta Forest Products Association reported on Monday that its member companies combined for $669.8 million in sales during the three-month period ended Sept. 30. That figure was up 1.3 per cent from $661 million in the preceding quarter and an 8.9 per cent improvement over the $614.9 million posted in the third quarter of 2012.
“So far, 2013 has been a very positive year for our industry,” said Brady Whittaker, president and CEO of the Alberta Forest Products Association. “Prices have been relatively strong in each of our sectors.”
On a product-by-product basis, lumber sales in the third quarter were $290.2 million, up 17.1 per cent from $247.9 million during the same period in 2012; panelboard sales were $83.5 million, down nine per cent from $91.8; and the figure for pulp and paper was $296.1 million, up 7.6 per cent from $275.2 million.
Looking ahead, Whittaker expects the year to finish strong for Alberta’s forestry sector.
“Lumber and pulp prices have continued upward through October and November, and I believe that will be reflected when we finalize our results for 2013.”