Framing lumber traders looking for a more clear-cut direction to the market after the early July holidays in Canada and the U.S. were left searching. While trading had a pulse, it lacked strength in many species. Traders extending their vacation time, an industry gathering in Mississippi, and hot weather were all cited as factors for the measured post-holiday tone. Prices were flat to narrowly mixed, but the Random Lengths Framing Lumber Composite Price edged up on gains posted in Canadian S-P-F. Activity in the field was steady, and buyers actively purchased fill-in loads.
Week Jul 8 | Week Jul 1 |
Year Ago 2015 |
|
Random Lengths Framing Lumber Composite Price* | $349 | $347 | $349 |
KD Western S-P-F #2&Btr 2x4 R/L Mill Price | 320 | 315 | 300 |
KD Eastern S-P-F #1&2 2x4 R/L, delivered Great Lakes | 420 | 418 | 390 |
Green Douglas Fir Std&Btr 2x4 R/L (Portland) | 353 | 353 | 347 |
Southern Pine (Westside) #2 2x4 R/L | 383 | 378 | 350 |
KD Coast Hem-Fir #2&Btr 2x4 R/L | 357 | 357 | 335 |
Ponderosa Pine (Inland) #2&Btr 1x12 R/L | 705 | 705 | 670 |
* Weighted average of 15 key items |
Random Lengths Panel Market Report
Sales activity was mixed in structural panel markets, but prices trended higher in plywood and OSB. Western Fir plywood got off to a sluggish start, but business for the week was solid, and prices rose. In Southern Pine plywood, higher prices and extended order files led some buyers to purchase additional inventory. Covering early August requirements was the goal for many buyers. Sales of OSB were steady to strong, and already-strong order files were extended. Prices in most producing regions rose by single digits, although order files were often into late July.
(f.o.b. mill prices) | Week Jul 8 | Week Jul 1 |
Year Ago 2015 |
Random Lengths Structural Panel Composite Price* | $383 | $379 | $361 |
Southern (west-east) 15/32-inch 3-ply rated sheathing plywood | 375-397 | 372-392 | 395-425 |
Southern (west-east) 15/32-inch 4-ply rated sheathing plywood | 380-410 | 378-400 | 395-425 |
Western 1/2-inch 4-ply rated sheathing plywood | 412 | 405 | 390 |
North Central 7/16-inch Oriented Strand Board | 285 | 278 | 208 |
*Weighted average of 11 key items |