As May drew to a close the sales of lumber across North America remained
quite low for the time of year. Wildfires in Alberta decreased somewhat but
were still a huge problem, as major forest fires erupted in Nova Scotia.
Sawmill operators and forest technicians alike expressed great alarm at this
fierce and very early fire season. Indeed, those in Alberta say the fires
there will not be put out until the end of summer.
Meanwhile, lumber sales volumes remained quite low despite improved U.S.
home building data. Inventories in the field were robust, putting no urgency
on customers to stock up on wood not needed immediately.
In the week ending May 26, 2023, the price of benchmark softwood lumber item
Western Spruce-Pine-Fir 2×4 #2&Btr KD (RL) was again US$350 mfbm, which is
down $10, or three per cent, from the previous week when it was $360. This
is down by $1 from one month ago when it was $351.
The level of supply was evenly matched with demand, resulting in a
relatively flat business week in terms of pricing and sales activity.
“
Overall demand remained subdued as the market waited for the
post-Memorial Day litmus test.” — Madison’s Lumber Reporter
Traders of Western S-P-F in the U.S. reported a subdued tone to inquiry as
holidaying Canadians returned to the market while players South of the
border looked toward the Memorial Day long weekend. Players told their
charges to take advantage of what they called an undervalued market,
particularly in the case of 2×10 dimension. Sawmill order files were into
early June and not much further. All eyes were on the following week and
what traders hoped would be the unofficial start to the building season
after Memorial Day.
The supply-demand equation in Western S-P-F dimension appeared to balance
out, with sawmills remaining firm on most of their asking prices. Prices of
narrows lost a little more ground, but it was in the single- or low
double-digit range. Sawmill curtailments and ongoing wildfires in Western
Canada barely registered in terms of generating demand, but there was
decidedly less material available overall than in previous weeks.
Transportation had been smooth of late, with a competitive field of
operators and stable fuel prices.
“Softening demand for green Douglas-fir lumber and studs continued apace.
Buyers were extra-quiet as the Victoria Day holiday weekend ended in Canada
while those in the U.S. geared up for their Memorial Day observations.
Transactions were fickle, with customers nickeling-and-diming suppliers to
the point of exhaustion, while keeping their sights trained on specific
products only. Secondary suppliers with cheaper offerings and quicker
shipment timelines continued to have the most success in this sluggish
market.” — Madison’s Lumber Reporter
Madison’s Benchmark Top-Six Softwood Lumber and Panel Prices: Monthly
Averages
Compared to the same week last year, when it was US$901 mfbm, the price of
Western Spruce-Pine-Fir 2×4 #2&Btr KD (RL) for the week ending May 26, 2023
was down by $551, or 61 per cent. Compared to two years ago when it was
$1,640, that week’s price is down by $1,290, or 79 per cent.
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