Western Forest Products Inc. announced temporary curtailments at its British Columbia sawmills that will reduce lumber production by about 50 million board feet in the second half of 2025.
The move represents roughly 6% of the company’s annual lumber capacity.
The decision follows persistently weak market conditions, compounded by a sharp increase in U.S. softwood lumber duties implemented in August 2025. In addition, Western cited limited access to economic log supply, ongoing delays in provincial harvesting permits, and the strike by United Steelworkers Local 1-1937 at La-kwa sa muqw Forestry Limited Partnership as contributing factors.
The curtailments will be implemented through reduced operating hours, an extended holiday shutdown, and revised shift schedules. Western confirmed that its Chemainus sawmill, already idle for the third quarter, will remain curtailed throughout the fourth quarter.
Despite the measures, Western emphasized it will continue monitoring market conditions and log availability and may adjust operations further if necessary. The company employs about 3,300 people in nearly 20 communities across British Columbia, making it one of Vancouver Island’s largest private sector employers.
Western is an integrated forest products company with operations in British Columbia and Washington State. The company operates six sawmills with a combined lumber capacity of 780 million board feet, as well as four remanufacturing plants and two glulam facilities. Its portfolio includes high-value specialty forest products sold to global markets.
