Global lumber markets improved in late 2009 with prices moving upward in North America and the Nordic countries, reports the Wood Resource Quarterly

Softwood lumber prices were up in both North America and Europe in the 4Q, but it was more the result of lower inventory levels and reduced production rather than an increase in demand, reports the Wood Resource Quarterly. The hot market for lumber last year was China, which increased imports by 75% thereby passing Japan as the largest importer in Asia.Seattle, USA. March, 2010. Prices for most lumber grades in the US were higher in December than at any other time during 2009. The Random Length Framing Composite Lumber Index, which consists of a basket of 12 different species and grades,