The week following labour day did not show any substantial increase in
lumber sales volumes.
For the most part prices held their own, while some key items did slip
downward somewhat. In all, demand for lumber in the middle of September was
similar to recent months; just-in-time buying for immediate needs only.
Still at this time there was not much interest in stocking inventory.
A lot of concern centred around freight costs, as diesel prices began to
reach levels not seen in recent times. Sellers cautioned reluctant customers
that waiting until the last minute to place orders might not be the best
plan, as the reduced purchase price could easily become eclipsed by sharply
rising fuel rates.
Add to this the uncertainty of even sourcing trucks or rail cars, altogether
this made the situation of delayed delivery a very real possibility.
In the week ending September 18, 2026 the price of Western Spruce-Pine-Fir
2×4 #2&Btr KD (RL) was US$472 mfbm, which was down -$8, or -2% from the
previous week when it was $480, said weekly forest products industry price
guide newsletter Madison’s Lumber Reporter.
That week’s price was down -$18, or -4%, from one month ago when it was
$490.
Compared to the same week last year, when it was us$430 mfbm, the price of
western spruce-pine-fir 2×4 #2&btr kd (rl) for the week ending September 18,
2026 was up +$42, or +10%.
Compared to two years ago when it was $410, that week’s price was up +$62,
or +15%.
Stable commodity prices in several categories were suspect while panel
markets continued to flip; with plywood taking a backseat to burgeoning OSB.
KEY TAKE-AWAYS:
• In the week following Labour Day the hoped-for autumn sales push of
Western-SPF in the US failed to materialize.
• Takeaway remained the frequent, small-volume forays which kept the
supply-demand equation in a relative balance.
• In Canada there was enough demand for Western-SPF to constitute an upward
trend.
• Most sawmills leaned on two- to three-week order files.
• Inventory and supply were again front of mind for most folks, with buyers
managing thin on-ground stocks.
• Uncertainty reigned for Eastern-SPF dealers due to the recent ratcheting
up of trade tensions between Canada and the US.
• Some commodity prices slipped between $5 to $15 per thousand on key items.
• Demand for Southern Yellow Pine remained uneven, with reports varying
considerably within and between zones.
MADISON’S BENCHMARK TOP-SIX SOFTWOOD LUMBER AND PANEL PRICES: MONTHLY
AVERAGES
Source: madisonsreport.com
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