U.S.: Softwood and panel markets - Week 36, 2016

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Random Lengths
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Some framing lumber markets were more active in mid-September, while others quieted in a mixed week of trading. Southern Pine prices pulled out of a four-week tailspin, at least in the narrow widths. In contrast, prices weakened in Western and Eastern S-P-F, while trends were mostly flat in western species. Some traders reported that they were seeing seasonal slowing, although others noted they had customers with plenty of work lined up in the fall. The Random Lengths Framing Lumber Composite Price edged down.

  Week
Sep 16
Week
Sep 9
Year Ago
2015
Random Lengths Framing Lumber Composite Price* $350 $351 $294
KD Western S-P-F #2&Btr 2x4 R/L Mill Price 310 314 245
KD Eastern S-P-F #1&2 2x4 R/L, delivered Great Lakes 415 420 345
Green Douglas Fir Std&Btr 2x4 R/L (Portland) 332 332 294
Southern Pine (Westside) #2 2x4 R/L 403 402 292
KD Coast Hem-Fir #2&Btr 2x4 R/L 330 330 305
Ponderosa Pine (Inland) #2&Btr 1x12 R/L 685 690 665
* Weighted average of 15 key items

 

Random Lengths Panel Market Report

Structural panel sales were lethargic. OSB supply and demand were close to a balance, and prices adjusted in both directions. Vulnerability in mill prices was mostly isolated to Western Canada. A better week of sales at Southern Pine sawmills did not carry over into Southern Pine plywood. Buyers felt no inclination to do more than cover immediate needs, and mill order files eroded. The pace was slower in western Fir plywood markets, but sales were steady, with some mills busier than others.

(f.o.b. mill prices) Week
Sep 16
Week
Sep 9
Year Ago
2015
Random Lengths Structural Panel Composite Price* $390 $392 $360
Southern (west-east) 15/32-inch 3-ply rated sheathing plywood 365-382 370-389 390-415
Southern (west-east) 15/32-inch 4-ply rated sheathing plywood 365-382 372-390 392-420
Western 1/2-inch 4-ply rated sheathing plywood 420 422 410
North Central 7/16-inch Oriented Strand Board 304 304 216
*Weighted average of 11 key items
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