Tighter availability due to production restraints and reduced inventories in the field underpinned framing lumber prices. The need for dealers and distributors across the U.S. and Canada to replenish depleted stocks fed a steady, if unspectacular, flow of orders back to the mills. Traders noted that production and demand were close to a balance in most markets. However, finding coverage was problematic, as mill offerings often didn't match up with customers' requirements. By species, trading was uneven.

Panel market

Structural panel markets were mixed, with OSB the best performer. OSB prices continued to work higher. Constrained supplies due to production cutbacks were a dominant factor. Southern Pine plywood producers held quotes near last week's levels and moved enough volume to keep lead times in a 5-10-day range on most items. The western Fir plywood market lost momentum, although a few mills still kept sales on pace with production.