News
May U.S. Residential Furniture Orders Increase
May U.S. residential furniture factory orders grew 13% from April and 8% from the same month in 2025. Year-to-date new orders were up 2% compared to the first five months of 2025. Furniture shipments were unchanged from April but were 1% higher than the same month last year. Year-to-date shipments remained level with 2025 while
U.S. Kitchen and Bath Cabinet Sales Improve from Prior Month
U.S. kitchen and bath cabinet sales in June were $191.0 million, declining 2.8% from the comparable month in 2025 but up 4.0% from May, according to the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association’s (KCMA) monthly “Trend of Business” member survey. Semi-custom sales dropped 7.5% to $104.6 million in June but were 2.4% higher than the previous month.
Canadian Manufacturing Growth Continues
In July, the seasonally adjusted S&P Global Canada Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) was 53.5, up 0.5 point from June and staying above 50, indicating growth for the fourth consecutive month and its highest reading since June 2022. Manufacturers reported quicker gains in output and new orders along with continued hiring, led mainly by the
Mexico Manufacturing Index Holds Steady in July
The July seasonally adjusted S&P Global Mexico Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) was unchanged from June at 51.3, holding above 50 for a second straight month. Manufacturers reported solid gains in new orders, the quickest since November 2023, driven by the approval of previously pending quotes. The PMI index comprises five sub-indices tracking changes in
Fastmarkets RISI Particleboard and MDF Commentary Available
The July issue of the Particleboard and MDF Commentary has been published and includes a detailed economic analysis of the North American market. The Commentary is circulated monthly by Fastmarkets RISI and permits CPA to republish issues quarterly as a benefit to members. See Particleboard and MDF Commentary
CPA Fall Meeting Registration Continues; Sponsorships Available
Registration continues for CPA’s 2026 Fall Meeting in Savannah, GA, from September 27-29, at the Hyatt Regency, conveniently located near Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV). Attendees are encouraged to reserve hotel rooms at the special group rate as soon as possible, as the hotel is expected to sell out. The discount rate is available through
New EU Formaldehyde Regulation in Effect; CPA Provides Testing Support
On August 6, 2026, the European regulation, EU 2023/1464, went into force, which sets a new formaldehyde emission compliance benchmark for composite panels and finished products. The new regulation, which amends REACH Annex XVII to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council, impacts manufacturers, distributors, specifiers, and importers operating within
Canada Imposes Provisional Tariff on Imports of Wood Products
On July 31, the Canadian Government announced a provisional 25% tariff on certain imports of wood products, excluding the U.S. and Mexico, among other countries. The temporary tariff is intended to address immediate challenges facing domestic manufacturers while the Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CIIT) safeguard inquiry is ongoing. The safeguard inquiry, announced in April 2026,
U.S. Wood Product Shipments Up in June
Seasonally adjusted shipments for all U.S. manufacturing industries totaled $652.1 billion in June, a 0.2% decrease from May. Wood products rose 0.4% to $14.0 billion in June, while furniture and related product shipments fell 0.5% to $7.6 billion. New manufacturing orders were 0.3% lower than May at $656.5 billion. Orders for furniture and related products
June U.S. Construction Spending Weakens
U.S. construction spending in June reached a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $2.17 trillion, decreasing 0.1% from May and 3.2% year-over-year. Total public and private residential spending declined 0.3% month-over-month and 4.7% from June 2025 to $889.37 billion. Non-residential spending totaled $1.28 trillion, 0.1% higher than May but down 2.1% from the same month last
U.S. Manufacturing Index Flat in July
The seasonally adjusted S&P Global U.S. Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) for July remained level with June at 53.9, the twelfth consecutive month above the growth point of 50. Manufacturers reported further gains in new orders and output, though the pace of both slowed, while employment edged up slightly. The PMI index comprises five sub-indices