Forestry Q3 outlook: Supply constraints and stronger demand may lift log prices - Marcus Musson

Chief operating officer at Stand Forestry·The Country·17 Jul, 2026 05:45 PM7 mins to read‌Log price stability means returns are more predictable, not more palatable. Photo / Paul RickardContent brought to you by Stand ForestryTHE FACTSExport log prices have stabilised, with the 2026 market trough only 5% below the 12-month average.Residential building consents rose 19% in the year to May 2026, ending three consecutive years of decline.New Zealand’s log supply is expected to tighten over the next few years as forests recover from major wind damage.With the depths of winter upon us, we are starting to see softening oil prices and reduced export-related costs, giving a flicker of light at the end of the tunnel. Let’s hope that light is not a train. Traditionally, the log