The second quarter got off to a quiet start in most framing lumber species, after a brisk close to the first quarter. Traders attributed the slower pace to the need to digest March purchases, and assess market prospects going forward. Spring break, vacation absences, and a reversal in the futures market were all cited as contributing factors. While many prices flattened, residual upside momentum pushed the weekly Random Lengths Framing Lumber Composite Price mildly higher to $347.
This Week Apr 8 |
Last Week Apr 1 |
Year Ago 2015 |
|
Random Lengths Framing Lumber Composite Price* | $347 | $345 | $337 |
KD Western S-P-F #2&Btr 2x4 R/L Mill Price | 308 | 309 | 279 |
KD Eastern S-P-F #1&2 2x4 R/L, delivered Great Lakes | 389 | 388 | 381 |
Green Douglas Fir Std&Btr 2x4 R/L (Portland) | 335 | 337 | 300 |
Southern Pine (Westside) #2 2x4 R/L | 400 | 393 | 402 |
KD Coast Hem-Fir #2&Btr 2x4 R/L | 378 | 370 | 310 |
Ponderosa Pine (Inland) #2&Btr 1x12 R/L | 685 | 680 | 670 |
* Weighted average of 15 key items |
Random Lengths Panel Market Report
OSB sales were more active than plywood in the structural panel market. Steady sales and solid order files allowed OSB producers in most regions to keep modest upward pressure on quotes. The Southern Pine plywood market lacked energy, and prices of rated sheathing sagged. Most mills quoted shipments for the week of April 18. In western Fir plywood, the pace of sales finished at or modestly below last week’s levels, and volumes were muted. The bulk of the week’s orders came from the West.
(f.o.b. mill prices) | This Week Apr 8 |
Last Week Apr 1 |
Year Ago 2015 |
Random Lengths Structural Panel Composite Price* | $360 | $358 | $371 |
Southern (west-east) 15/32-inch 3-ply rated sheathing plywood | 370-393 | 373-397 | 435-495 |
Southern (west-east) 15/32-inch 4-ply rated sheathing plywood | 373-397 | 375-400 | 440-500 |
Western 1/2-inch 4-ply rated sheathing plywood | 369 | 365 | 422 |
North Central 7/16-inch Oriented Strand Board | 242 | 235 | 180 |
*Weighted average of 11 key items |