U.S.: Softwood and panel markets - Week 20, 2017

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Random Lengths
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Buyers of framing lumber re-emerged after weeks on the sidelines. Producers of various species seeking trading levels over the past several weeks finally hit values that drew in reluctant customers. Western S-P-F and Southern Pine mills in particular were aggressive in lowering prices to entice sales, which picked up most noticeably on Wednesday. While mill sales volumes increased, many traders remained skeptical that prices had touched a firm bottom, and limited their long-side exposure. 

  This Week
May 19
Last Week
May 12
Year Ago
2016
Random Lengths Framing Lumber Composite Price* $409 $420 $360
KD Western S-P-F #2&Btr 2x4 R/L Mill Price 380 392 325
KD Eastern S-P-F #1&2 2x4 R/L, delivered Great Lakes 472 477 420
Green Douglas Fir Std&Btr 2x4 R/L (Portland) 392 395 350
Southern Pine (Westside) #2 2x4 R/L 442 460 415
KD Coast Hem-Fir #2&Btr 2x4 R/L 415 425 380
Ponderosa Pine (Inland) #2&Btr 1x12 R/L 690 685 700
* Weighted average of 15 key items

 

Random Lengths Panel Market Report

Prices of most structural panel items gave way to downward pressure. OSB sales were hit and miss, and prices softened across North America. Producers were most vulnerable to discounts in the South. Southern Pine plywood mills searched for a bottom amid lackluster demand and continued downside price pressure. Buyers perceived additional downside risk and purchased conservatively. After a slow start, western Fir plywood trading picked up Wednesday. Brisk truck and van sales along the West Coast helped mills firm prices. 

(f.o.b. mill prices) This Week
May 19
Last Week
May 12
Year Ago
2016
Random Lengths Structural Panel Composite Price* $412 $419 $378
Southern (west-east) 15/32-inch 3-ply rated sheathing plywood 360-385 370-395 367-383
Southern (west-east) 15/32-inch 4-ply rated sheathing plywood 365-390 375-400 372-387
Western 1/2-inch 4-ply rated sheathing plywood 411 418 368
North Central 7/16-inch Oriented Strand Board 330 333 280
*Weighted average of 11 key items

 

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