📩ePallet Pallet Market Updated: January 2026🪵

PALLET MARKET UPDATE

GREETINGS FROM ePALLET, INC.!

As we begin the new year, we want to share a brief update on the market forces shaping pallet supply, costs, and availability in 2026. If your pallet program needs have changed—or if you’re exploring ways to improve efficiency, cost control, or supply reliability—we’re always here as a resource and welcome the opportunity to connect. We look forward to supporting you throughout the year ahead!

- Your ePallet, Inc. Team

NEW HARDWOOD

It is almost as if we are at a western standoff with hardwood lumber.  Sawmills trying to push through increases and manufacturing mills pushing back saying “no”.  There is pressure to increase lumber due to availability tightening.  While all reports indicate hardwood lumber is increasing slowly no one is able to push increases through.  What I believe we will see happen is lumber will take an upward turn mid-end March - if the housing market kicks the season off strong.  If we see a strong housing market and lowered interest rates, we will see lumber become very tight and we will see lumber costs rise.  However, if we do not have a strong housing season, I feel it will be months longer for any uptick in costs and pricing will remain flat.  

Source: Pallet Profile Weekly, January 9, 2026

DID YOU KNOW?

ePallet provides Total Pallet Management services designed to simplify supply, reduce cost, and improve visibility across your pallet program, including:

• Vendor consolidation & national sourcing programs
• Full-loop inventory and logistics management
• Cost-saving initiatives
• Data reporting and performance insights
• Pallet analysis, redesign, and standardization

SOFT LUMBER / NEW PINE MARKET

Early positive signs in the new and existing home sales are a promising sign to many wood products traders and analysts.  The US Census Bureau’s recent sales report showed stable month-on-month home sales and inventories and falling home prices.  It will take time for production to align with sales due to builders having unsold inventory they need to work through, but a promising start to 2026.  

2025 saw many North American softwood lumber traders adjust to the Trump administration’s on again, off again tariffs, leaving many veteran traders comparing 2025 to the pandemic and the subprime mortgage crisis in 2008 as the most challenging year of their careers do to the constant uncertainty.   This uncertainty is expected to extend throughout 2026 and define offshore prospects for the year.  Adding to the uncertainty is the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and regional instability.  

Fastmarkets’ forecast anticipates the global economy will slow in 2026 and widespread trepidation surrounding economic policies and trade tariffs will be key drivers in the deceleration.  Potential volatility in the international trade environment could alter those projections.  

Uncertainty remains the key word circulating in this early start to the New Year.

Source:

Random Lengths, January 16, 2026

ePallet is a proud member of NWPCA, the largest organization of wood packaging professionals in the world, with more than 800 company members in 40 countries who manufacture, repair and distribute pallets and wood packaging in unit-load solutions, or who supply products and services to the industry.

Pallet Market Variables to Watch

As we move into 2026, pallet market conditions are supported by improving supply balance, disciplined production, and more measured buying.