The price of lumber is continuing to move upwards and there seems to be a bit of a shortage at the mills with supplying locally and in the United States.

Forestry companies will also find out Tuesday, April 25th if the U.S. Commerce Department will slap duties on Canadian softwood.

David Linthorne, owner of High River's Home Hardware, says Americans loaded up on Canadian lumber in anticipation of a price hike.

"The commodity update we have been recently giving, say for example looking at lumber white wood and your treated stuff, they are telling us that pricing continues to move upward," said Linthorne. "They can't keep up with all these mills supplying the U.S. housing market and Canadians, with pretty much anything."

The industry experienced a rush because president Donald Trump said he was going to put tariffs on everything the country imports, including lumber.

"Everyone was buying, buying, buying, They didn't leave anything for the Canadian lumber yards to fill their yards."

He adds, it's a fine example of supply and demand, and there are big increases in prices as a result.

For example, a sheet 3/8" OSB (Oriented Strand Board) sold for $6, three years ago, now it is $17 to $18 for the same sheet.

Fort McMurray is also eating up a lot of the lumber supplies as they rebuild.

"It just doesn't help in conjunction with the purchasing from the U.S."

Over the next 30 to 60 days there should be a better feel for what the market will do, but so far it is not softening at all.

With a looming softwood duty, no one is holding their breath hoping for good results.

"We don't actually expect anything good to come out of this. There is always a good excuse to tack a little extra on whether it is carbon tax, environment tax or good old government tax in general."

Linthorne added the North America Free Trade Agreement was revamped just over a month ago so he is just waiting to hear how that will affect the lumber industry and more importantly his customers.