Trading in framing lumber remained tough as May got underway. Modestly improving sales in the field were widely reported, as warmer and drier weather arrived in key markets. But there were ample supplies at the distribution and retail levels to serve the demand. Mills struggled to match sales with production. The Random Lengths Framing Lumber Composite Price fell to $315, officially confirming that Canadian mills in June will be subject to the second highest tax tier under the Softwood Lumber Agreement.
Week May 8
|
Week May 1
|
Year Ago 2014 |
|
Random Lengths Framing Lumber Composite Price* |
$315
|
$321
|
$376
|
KD Western S-P-F #2&Btr 2x4 R/L Mill Price |
252
|
252
|
346 |
KD Eastern S-P-F #1&2 2x4 R/L, delivered Great Lakes |
345
|
348
|
436
|
Green Douglas Fir Std&Btr 2x4 R/L (Portland) |
290
|
290
|
330 |
Southern Pine (Westside) #2 2x4 R/L |
365
|
383
|
389
|
KD Coast Hem-Fir Std&Btr 2x4 R/L |
300
|
300
|
402
|
Ponderosa Pine (Inland) #2&Btr 1x12 R/L |
670
|
670
|
750
|
* Weighted average of 15 key items |
Random Lengths Panel Market Report
Structural panel trading was mixed by region and product. OSB producers found pockets of activity. But the pickup did not permeate into all markets, and some areas maintained the status quo. While sales kept up with production at some Southern Pine plywood mills, others fell short. Price incentives were required to keep loads moving. The western Fir plywood market took on a more upbeat tone as the week progressed. A spurt of business around midweek pushed order files at most mills into late May.
(f.o.b. mill prices) | Week May 8 | Week May 1 |
Year Ago 2014 |
Random Lengths Structural Panel Composite Price* |
$357
|
$358
|
$386
|
Southern (west-east) 15/32-inch 3-ply exterior sheathing plywood | 405-455 | 414-460 |
412-440
|
Southern (west-east) 15/32-inch 4-ply exterior sheathing plywood |
405-460
|
414-465
|
412-445
|
Western 1/2-inch 4-ply exterior sheathing plywood | 389 | 387 |
449
|
North Central 7/16-inch Oriented Strand Board | 190 | 182 | 235 |
*Weighted average of 11 key items |