Sales of framing lumber were muted amid a lingering standoff in Canadian S-P-F and a steep pullback in Southern Pine. In the West, most prices held to recent ranges, but soft spots were evident, particularly in wide dimension. The overall price trend pointed down, with the Random Lengths Framing Lumber Composite falling $9 for the week. Traders anticipated demand to ramp up in the near term as the building season hits full stride. But many markets, some still besieged with wet spring weather, lagged expectations.
This Week May 12 |
Last Week May 5 |
Year Ago 2016 |
|
Random Lengths Framing Lumber Composite Price* | $420 | $429 | $359 |
KD Western S-P-F #2&Btr 2x4 R/L Mill Price | 392 | 403 | 319 |
KD Eastern S-P-F #1&2 2x4 R/L, delivered Great Lakes | 477 | 485 | 410 |
Green Douglas Fir Std&Btr 2x4 R/L (Portland) | 395 | 395 | 345 |
Southern Pine (Westside) #2 2x4 R/L | 460 | 480 | 424 |
KD Coast Hem-Fir #2&Btr 2x4 R/L | 425 | 425 | 377 |
Ponderosa Pine (Inland) #2&Btr 1x12 R/L | 685 | 675 | 700 |
* Weighted average of 15 key items |
Random Lengths Panel Market Report
Price trends and trading were mixed in structural panel markets. OSB prices cracked for the first time since late January in the South. In northern markets, softness was most apparent in Eastern Canada. A lethargic sales pace set in across all zones in Southern Pine plywood markets. Some producers offered steep discounts on railcar shipments to re-establish order files. The trading pace picked on Thursday in western Fir plywood markets. Producers relied on strong West Coast truck sales to halt an early-week price slide.
(f.o.b. mill prices) | This Week May 12 |
Last Week May 5 |
Year Ago 2016 |
Random Lengths Structural Panel Composite Price* | $419 | $424 | $376 |
Southern (west-east) 15/32-inch 3-ply rated sheathing plywood | 370-395 | 385-410 | 367-383 |
Southern (west-east) 15/32-inch 4-ply rated sheathing plywood | 375-400 | 390-415 | 372-387 |
Western 1/2-inch 4-ply rated sheathing plywood | 418 | 429 | 367 |
North Central 7/16-inch Oriented Strand Board | 333 | 333 | 275 |
*Weighted average of 11 key items |