Following is the first of a two-part series of demand forecasts for various North American hardwood species in 2012. Steady purchasing by European, Asian and Middle Eastern buyers and tightening White Oak supplies should keep Ash moving well. Canadian sawmills won’t produce much Aspen, so supplies may fall below demand. As U.S. home remodeling markets show more life, wooden blind manufacturers should see improved business and purchase more Basswood. Production and usage of North American Beech will remain quite low. Rising Hard Maple production and leveling Hard Maple prices will keep Yellow Birch from gaining much momentum in the cabinet and flooring sectors. Cherry sales will not rebound this year, but stronger cabinet shipments in 2013 should provide a much-needed spark next year. If Poplar demand stays strong and supplies don’t explode, Cottonwood prices may nudge up. Hickory/Pecan markets will be little changed from 2011. We’ll conclude our species outlook in next week’s report.