Western Forest Products will curtail lumber production at its British Columbia sawmills by 50 million board feet in the second half of 2025, equal to 6% of its annual lumber capacity. The company attributes the reduction to weak markets, higher U.S. softwood lumber duties imposed in August 2025, and limited economic log supply, according to Western Forest Products.

The curtailments include actions taken in both the third and fourth quarters of 2025. Temporary measures consist of reduced operating hours, an extended holiday break, and reconfigured shift schedules. The Chemainus sawmill, idled throughout the third quarter, will remain shut for the full fourth quarter as well.

Western also cites operational challenges in British Columbia, including harvesting permitting delays and a strike by the United Steelworkers Local 1-1937 at the La-kwa sa muqw Forestry Limited Partnership. The company said it will continue to monitor market conditions and available log supply across its operations and adjust schedules accordingly.

Western is one of the largest private employers on Vancouver Island, supporting about 3,300 jobs in nearly 20 communities. The company operates six sawmills with a combined lumber capacity of 780 million board feet, four remanufacturing facilities, and two glulam manufacturing facilities. It sources timber from long-term licenses, First Nations agreements, and market purchases, while also supplementing production through a wholesale program offering specialty products.