Sales of framing lumber were focused heavily on the secondary market, where wholesalers and distributors digested recent purchases and higher prices. Upward price momentum at the mills largely stalled. However, some prices carried higher on solid mill order files and momentum from the recent run. Price cracks were also seen, most notably in Western S-P-F #2&Btr, as sellers made adjustments toward markedly lower prices in the secondary market and futures.
This Week Feb 24 |
Last Week Feb 17 |
Year Ago 2016 |
|
Random Lengths Framing Lumber Composite Price* | $410 | $405 | $315 |
KD Western S-P-F #2&Btr 2x4 R/L Mill Price | 385 | 389 | 271 |
KD Eastern S-P-F #1&2 2x4 R/L, delivered Great Lakes | 449 | 447 | 364 |
Green Douglas Fir Std&Btr 2x4 R/L (Portland) | 370 | 370 | 318 |
Southern Pine (Westside) #2 2x4 R/L | 488 | 476 | 372 |
KD Coast Hem-Fir #2&Btr 2x4 R/L | 400 | 400 | 310 |
Ponderosa Pine (Inland) #2&Btr 1x12 R/L | 580 | 570 | 670 |
* Weighted average of 15 key items |
Random Lengths Panel Market Report
Structural panel trading lost momentum after an active start in February. Mill sales of OSB slowed across North America. Buyers moved to the sidelines and digested previous purchases, while producers leaned on lengthy order files. Southern Pine plywood buyers settled into digestion mode, and sales slowed in all three zones, especially in the latter part of the week. Western Fir plywood sales were solid overall, but the trading pace was uneven. Traders reported spurts of activity, followed by lulls.
(f.o.b. mill prices) | This Week Feb 24 |
Last Week Feb 17 |
Year Ago 2016 |
Random Lengths Structural Panel Composite Price* | $406 | $401 | $348 |
Southern (west-east) 15/32-inch 3-ply rated sheathing plywood | 400-415 | 395-410 | 368-395 |
Southern (west-east) 15/32-inch 4-ply rated sheathing plywood | 400-415 | 395-410 | 370-398 |
Western 1/2-inch 4-ply rated sheathing plywood | 412 | 409 | 330 |
North Central 7/16-inch Oriented Strand Board | 305 | 302 | 227 |
*Weighted average of 11 key items |