The Vancouver Sun reports in its Wednesday edition the long, steady decline for Canadian softwood prices should end soon, says analyst Hakan Ekstrom. The Sun's Bruce Constantineau writes the president of Wood Resources International said early signs of a resurgent U.S. housing market should boost the demand for Canadian wood. He figures prices bottomed two weeks ago. Mr. Ekstrom noted approved U.S. building permits last month increased by nearly 12 per cent to an annual rate of 1.28 million housing units, the highest level since August, 2007. "That's a clear sign that we should see more U.S. house construction soon," he said. "People have been a little bit too careful about spending money for a new home, but that looks like it's about to change." An industry publication said its weekly framing lumber composite price rose $10 last week to $332 for 1,000 board feet compared with $371 a year ago (all figures U.S.). Producers must pay export duties ranging from 5 to 15 per cent when lumber prices fall below $355. Canadian lumber exports rose 14 per cent during the first quarter this year. "If you're a sawmill in B.C., I think you could be optimistic when you look ahead this year," Mr. Ekstrom said.