As April waned and talk of potential tariffs on canadian lumber entering the
us faded, prices of north american construction framing dimension softwood
lumber settled down to proper levels given existing supply-demand
conditions.
As April waned and talk of potential tariffs on canadian lumber entering the
us faded, prices of north american construction framing dimension softwood
lumber settled down to proper levels given existing supply-demand
conditions.
The fact that demand remained quite soft, particularly for the time of year
when new home building normally would be increasing, was lost on no one. The
recent shift in buying by US customer interest toward Southern Yellow Pine
and away from Spruce-Pine-Fir had topped out, with prices responding out of
correction mode.
There remained more questions than answers; specifically regarding
macro-economic conditions and the ongoing muted housing starts.
While some uncertainty was resolved, expectations for coming spring building
season remained unclear.
In the week ending April 25, 2025 the price of Western Spruce-Pine-Fir 2×4
#2&Btr KD (RL) was US$470 mfbm, which is flat from the previous week when it
was $470, said weekly forest products industry price guide newsletter
Madison’s Lumber Reporter.
That week’s price is down -$71, or -13%, from one month ago when it was
$541.
Compared To The Same Week Last Year, When It Was Us$408 Mfbm, The Price Of
Western Spruce-Pine-Fir 2×4 #2&Btr Kd (Rl) For The Week Ending April 25,
2025 Was Up +$62, Or +15%.
Compared To Two Years Ago When It Was $360, That Week’S Price Was Up +$110,
Or +31%.
KEY TAKE-AWAYS:
The lumber market was characterized by low-key but stable trading.
Commodity prices varied significantly between primary and secondary
suppliers, further ensconcing buyers on the sidelines.
More consistent trading ranges were hammered out; buyers and sellers worked
together to get deals done.
Takeaway remained subpar, thus Canadian Western S-P-F sawmills continued to
quietly accumulate material.
Already-reticent buyers held off making purchases in hopes of further price
corrections.
Substantial demand for Eastern S-P-F was reported.
Demand for Southern Yellow Pine continued to outperform that of the rest of
the North American lumber market.
Among the busiest buyers of SYP were treaters, who make up a large portion
of the market base and played a large role in keeping prices elevated.
MADISON’S BENCHMARK TOP-SIX SOFTWOOD LUMBER AND PANEL PRICES: MONTHLY
AVERAGES
Source:
madisonsreport.com
More Reports:
