A more bullish tone to the framing lumber market
was apparent in some species, but less so in
others. Trading was most active in Southern Pine
and Canadian S-P-F, especially Wednesday and
Thursday as the futures board rallied to a
premium to cash. In all markets, traders weighed
myriad factors that could tip the balance one
way or another. Uncertainty surrounded the
U.S.-Canada lumber trade issue, but traders
sensed that futures was pricing in potential
litigation and duties on Canadian shipments to
the U.S.
| This Week Sep 23 |
Last Week Sep 16 |
Year Ago 2015 |
|
| Random Lengths Framing Lumber Composite Price* | $352 | $350 | $297 |
| KD Western S-P-F #2&Btr 2x4 R/L Mill Price | 312 | 310 | 251 |
| KD Eastern S-P-F #1&2 2x4 R/L, delivered Great Lakes | 410 | 415 | 343 |
| Green Douglas Fir Std&Btr 2x4 R/L (Portland) | 332 | 332 | 300 |
| Southern Pine (Westside) #2 2x4 R/L | 415 | 403 | 300 |
| KD Coast Hem-Fir #2&Btr 2x4 R/L | 327 | 330 | 305 |
| Ponderosa Pine (Inland) #2&Btr 1x12 R/L | 680 | 685 | 665 |
| * Weighted average of 15 key items | |||
Random Lengths Panel Market Report
Structural panel trading was lackluster, and prices declined.
With month- and quarter-end approaching, some OSB producers opened
to counters to sell loads. Traders in most markets said activity in
September had failed to meet their lofty expectations so far.
Traders in the Southern Pine plywood market struggled through a week
of sluggish sales, and sloppy prices. Producers lowered quotes and
opened to counters on most items. The pace was busier in western Fir
plywood, but cracks in prices emerged.
(f.o.b. mill prices)
| (f.o.b. mill prices) | This Week Sep 23 |
Last Week Sep 16 |
Year Ago 2015 |
| Random Lengths Structural Panel Composite Price* | $383 | $390 | $357 |
| Southern (west-east) 15/32-inch 3-ply rated sheathing plywood | 355-375 | 365-382 | 385-410 |
| Southern (west-east) 15/32-inch 4-ply rated sheathing plywood | 355-380 | 365-382 | 385-410 |
| Western 1/2-inch 4-ply rated sheathing plywood | 407 | 420 | 393 |
| North Central 7/16-inch Oriented Strand Board | 300 | 304 | 217 |
| *Weighted average of 11 key items | |||
