Prices of framing lumber continued to retreat amid a slow-developing increase in seasonal demand. Traders widely reported that ample supplies were available at all levels of the distribution system, going back to the mills. That generated little urgency, and left suppliers struggling to move loadings that didn’t nicely fit buyers’ immediate needs. Steadily eroding prices in most producing regions pushed the Random Lengths Framing Lumber Composite Price down $3, an eighth straight weekly drop.
This Week Apr 19 |
Last Week Apr 12 |
Year Ago 2018 |
|
Random Lengths Framing Lumber Composite Price* | $350 | $353 | $498 |
KD Western S-P-F #2&Btr 2x4 R/L Mill Price | 312 | 328 | 556 |
KD Eastern S-P-F #1&2 2x4 R/L, delivered Great Lakes | 418 | 427 | 630 |
Green Douglas Fir Std&Btr 2x4 R/L (Portland) | 295 | 290 | 530 |
Southern Pine (Westside) #2 2x4 R/L | 405 | 405 | 554 |
KD Coast Hem-Fir #2&Btr 2x4 R/L | 365 | 375 | 560 |
Ponderosa Pine (Inland) #2&Btr 1x12 R/L | 860 | 860 | 755 |
* Weighted average of 15 key items |
Random Lengths Panel Market Report
Structural panel sales were a grind, and prices slipped. The downward spiral in OSB prices was unabated and taxed traders’ patience. Supplies continued to outstrip demand, and loads were available for quick shipment. Sporadic and inconsistent demand for Southern Pine plywood generated enough orders for producers to maintain order files, but a lack of urgency among buyers applied modest downward pressure on prices. Struggles to sell western Fir plywood continued, and frustration mounted. Activity was spotty all week. Order files extending into May allowed a few Canadian plywood producers to hold to their quotes. Others lowered prices after lead times eroded.
(f.o.b. mill prices) | This Week Apr 19 |
Last Week Apr 12 |
Year Ago 2018 |
Random Lengths Structural Panel Composite Price* | $357 | $361 | $529 |
Southern (west-east) 15/32-inch 3-ply rated sheathing plywood | 372-400 | 375-403 | 500-545 |
Southern (west-east) 15/32-inch 4-ply rated sheathing plywood | 377-412 | 380-415 | 505-550 |
Western 1/2-inch 4-ply rated sheathing plywood | 357 | 362 | 520 |
North Central 7/16-inch Oriented Strand Board | 185 | 190 | 405 |
*Weighted average of 11 key items |