Framing lumber sales thus far in October failed
to meet expectations, leaving price trends and
traders’ outlooks on the market muddled. The
standstill period under the expired Softwood
Lumber Agreement came to an end at midweek. With
no immediate filing of a petition by U.S.
interests to open a new trade case against
Canada, there was little drama, but continued
uncertainty looking forward. Meanwhile, the
desire to draw inventories down amid a measured
start to the month was widely evident.
| This Week Oct 14 |
Last Week Oct 7 |
Year Ago 2015 |
|
| Random Lengths Framing Lumber Composite Price* | $358 | $358 | $305 |
| KD Western S-P-F #2&Btr 2x4 R/L Mill Price | 325 | 325 | 250 |
| KD Eastern S-P-F #1&2 2x4 R/L, delivered Great Lakes | 415 | 414 | 346 |
| Green Douglas Fir Std&Btr 2x4 R/L (Portland) | 332 | 332 | 295 |
| Southern Pine (Westside) #2 2x4 R/L | 434 | 431 | 350 |
| KD Coast Hem-Fir #2&Btr 2x4 R/L | 330 | 330 | 300 |
| Ponderosa Pine (Inland) #2&Btr 1x12 R/L | 665 | 670 | 660 |
| * Weighted average of 15 key items | |||
Random Lengths Panel Market Report
Structural panel sales were mixed, with Southern Pine plywood
leading the way. Activity in OSB waned following the storm-fueled
surge in sales the previous week. Prices in most regions were flat
to up slightly. Southern Pine plywood producers reported a steady
week of sales. Customers with needs to cover didn’t hesitate to
place orders if the loads could be shipped quickly. The pace slowed
in western Fir plywood markets, as buyers purchased hand-to-mouth
and looked for discounts.
(f.o.b. mill prices)
| (f.o.b. mill prices) | This Week Oct 14 |
Last Week Oct 7 |
Year Ago 2015 |
| Random Lengths Structural Panel Composite Price* | $377 | $375 | $353 |
| Southern (west-east) 15/32-inch 3-ply rated sheathing plywood | 365-385 | 355-380 | 360-395 |
| Southern (west-east) 15/32-inch 4-ply rated sheathing plywood | 370-400 | 360-390 | 360-390 |
| Western 1/2-inch 4-ply rated sheathing plywood | 378 | 385 | 365 |
| North Central 7/16-inch Oriented Strand Board | 287 | 287 | 232 |
| *Weighted average of 11 key items | |||
