Bewildered buyers of Western S-P-F in the United States wrung their hands with each new transaction, wondering whether they should have waited or bought more. Prices were a stab in the dark, with numbers varying considerably depending on the source and destination. Those who sat on the sidelines also questioned if they were making the right move, as divining the direction of this wacky market was nigh-impossible.

While confusion and uncertainty still reigned in the Western S-P-F market, demand and sales activity were less frenetic. Players noted that, even as the market overall appeared softer, sawmills felt little pressure to slash their asking prices as ongoing logistical issues continued to create a mirage of limited supply. Price spreads between suppliers endured, with numbers varying noticeably between large producers and smaller mills, as well as among wholesalers and distributers.

“STUDS: Demand for Western S-P-F studs was even as upward momentum in pricing tapered off. Prices, on balance, were decidedly flat. Buyers shook their heads as they eyed their waning inventories and continued to wait for wood ordered weeks ago to start rolling. Stud mills maintained early- to mid-April order files as ongoing transportation problems prevented them from clearing their overstuffed yards.” — Madison’s Lumber Reporter