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 |