👉 ePallet Monthly Pallet Market Update | June 2026

PALLET MARKET UPDATE

June Newsletter Highlights:

• Hardwood & Softwood Market Trends

  • Regional Pallet Market Variables

• Recycled Pallet Market & Core Availability

• Did you know? Core Supply

GREETINGS FROM ePALLET, INC.!

As ePallet enters its 30th year in business, we reflect on how much our industry has evolved. Markets have shifted, supply chains have become more complex, and technology continues to transform the way we do business.

Through all those changes, one thing remains constant: the importance of strong relationships and trusted partnerships.

Today's businesses need more than suppliers—they need partners who bring insights, solutions, and a proactive approach to helping navigate challenges and opportunities. At ePallet, that's our goal. Whether it's identifying cost-saving opportunities, improving supply chain efficiency, supporting sustainability initiatives, or helping customers navigate market changes, we're committed to creating value beyond the transaction.

Thank you for taking a few moments to read this month's Pallet Market Update. We appreciate the opportunity to share industry insights and look forward to continuing the conversation.

Your ePallet, Inc. Team

ePallet, Inc.

NORTH AMERICAN PALLET LUMBER MARKET SUMMARY - June 2026

Market conditions have shifted from the softer environment seen earlier this year. Increasing demand, constrained lumber production, and elevated transportation costs are contributing to tighter supply conditions across portions of North America.

ePallet Market Insight: Demand is improving faster than supply in many regions, creating tighter market conditions heading into the summer months.

Lumber Prices Continue Trending Higher

Several market indicators point toward a firmer pricing environment across both hardwood and softwood lumber markets.

Hardwood Markets

• Hardwood cant markets continue trending higher across many regions.

• Reduced sawmill production and constrained lumber availability are contributing to tighter supply conditions.

• Several pallet manufacturers report rebuilding inventories amid concerns about future availability.

• Regional market conditions vary, but overall pricing pressure remains elevated.

Softwood Markets

• Southern Pine and SPF markets continue to show signs of strengthening.

• Mill order files remain extended in some regions, limiting near-term availability.

• Lower import volumes and reduced production continue to support firmer market conditions.

• Transportation costs remain an important factor influencing delivered pallet costs.

Customer Takeaway

Lumber markets continue to experience tightening supply conditions, driven by increased demand, constrained production, and elevated transportation costs. While market conditions vary by region, buyers should continue monitoring pallet availability, lead times, and cost pressures heading into the second half of the year.

"Many pallet manufacturers are rebuilding inventories amid concerns that lumber costs could continue to rise through the summer."

Pallet Profile Weekly, June 19, 2026

REGIONAL PALLET MARKET VARIABLES

Regional Market Spotlight: Demand Improves While Lumber Supply Tightens

As summer begins, pallet markets across North America share a common theme: improving demand, constrained lumber production, and elevated transportation costs are creating renewed upward pressure on lumber and pallet pricing.

Northeast & Mid-Atlantic

• Hardwood cant and board prices continue trending higher.

• Lumber availability remains tight due to reduced sawmill production.

• Pallet demand ranges from average to strong.

• Rising fuel and freight costs are impacting delivered pallet pricing.

Market Watch: Tight hardwood supplies and increasing transportation costs continue to pressure pricing.

Midwest

• Hardwood cant supplies remain tight, particularly in Ohio and surrounding markets.

• Sawmill consolidation and reduced production capacity remain concerns.

• Pallet demand is steady, with improving order activity.

• Transportation costs continue to impact delivered pricing.

Market Watch: Limited hardwood production and tightening cant supplies are driving firmer pricing discussions.

South & Southeast

• Hardwood log availability remains generally adequate.

• Southern Yellow Pine markets continue to tighten.

• Demand ranges from average to strong, with increasing order activity reported.

• Material and freight costs are supporting higher pallet pricing in some markets.

Market Watch: Strengthening demand and tighter pine supplies are contributing to firmer market conditions.

Western United States

• Mill production remains limited, supporting lumber prices.

• Demand for low-grade lumber has strengthened.

• Green Douglas Fir prices continue trending upward.

• Mill order files are extending further into the summer.

Market Watch: Tight production schedules and improving demand are helping support western lumber prices.

Sources: Pallet Profile Weekly, Random Lengths + ePallet Market Insights

Cost, availability, and freight are now moving together—requiring proactive planning.

Have questions about how these market changes may impact your pallet program? Connect with your ePallet representative to review pricing, supply planning, and optimization strategies.

ePallet Market Insight: Demand is improving faster than supply in many regions, creating tighter market conditions heading into the summer months.

ePallet Market Insight:

The recycled pallet market is driven by cores in the same way the new pallet market is driven by lumber.

PALLET TRENDS

Core availability is one of the most important drivers of the recycled pallet market. When supply tightens, costs often rise throughout the recycling and remanufacturing process.

Did You Know? What Is a Pallet Core?

A pallet core is a used pallet that has been returned from service and can be repaired, rebuilt, or remanufactured into a reusable pallet. Pallet cores are the primary raw material used in the recycled pallet industry.

Just as new pallet manufacturers rely on lumber, recycled pallet manufacturers rely on a steady supply of returned pallet cores.

How Do Market Conditions Impact Core Supply?

Several factors can reduce the number of cores available to recyclers:

• Inventory reductions: Fewer products moving through supply chains often result in fewer pallets being returned.

• Core retention: Companies may hold onto pallets longer rather than releasing them back into the market.

• Increased competition: Recyclers and pallet providers compete for the same pool of quality cores.

• Transportation costs: Rising freight costs can make pallet recovery less economical in certain regions.

• Seasonal demand: Retail, manufacturing, and agricultural activity can temporarily tighten core availability.

When fewer cores are available, recyclers must pay more to acquire quality pallets, creating upward pressure on both core values and recycled pallet pricing.

Need help navigating today's recycled pallet market? Our national network of suppliers and recycling partners helps customers secure reliable supply and manage market volatility.