Frustration and angst grew among US traders of framing lumber, as the market remained in the doldrums. Oversupply was cited as the primary culprit, but demand fundamentals were also getting closer scrutiny. Traders were tired of hearing about weather holding back demand, but for some Mother Nature was still at the fore. Cold, winter-like weather conditions were still present in the Northeast, and rain pounded areas of the South. Tornado watches were in effect across the midsection of the U.S.
Week Apr 10
|
Week Apr 3
|
Year Ago 2014 |
|
Random Lengths Framing Lumber Composite Price* |
$336
|
$337
|
$362
|
KD Western S-P-F #2&Btr 2x4 R/L Mill Price |
269
|
279
|
336 |
KD Eastern S-P-F #1&2 2x4 R/L, delivered Great Lakes |
369
|
381
|
440
|
Green Douglas Fir Std&Btr 2x4 R/L (Portland) |
295
|
300
|
327 |
Southern Pine (Westside) #2 2x4 R/L |
406
|
402
|
373
|
KD Coast Hem-Fir Std&Btr 2x4 R/L |
310
|
310
|
388
|
Ponderosa Pine (Inland) #2&Btr 1x12 R/L |
670
|
670
|
730
|
* Weighted average of 15 key items |
Random Lengths Panel Market Report
Structural panel prices faded amid lackluster demand. The downward drift in OSB prices continued unabated, with northern markets especially sluggish. Most buyers continued to purchase hand-to-mouth, even though prices were approaching four-year lows. Moderate downward price pressure persisted in Southern Pine plywood. Buyers lacked urgency, and confined activity to sparse replenishment when inventories had run bare. After last week’s strong finish, western Fir plywood traders were disappointed in the lack of follow-through this week.
(f.o.b. mill prices) |
Week Apr 10
|
Week Apr 3
|
Year Ago 2014 |
Random Lengths Structural Panel Composite Price* |
$369
|
$371
|
$354
|
Southern (west-east) 15/32-inch 3-ply exterior sheathing plywood | 430-487 | 435-495 |
368-400
|
Southern (west-east) 15/32-inch 4-ply exterior sheathing plywood |
435-490
|
440-500
|
368-400
|
Western 1/2-inch 4-ply exterior sheathing plywood | 425 | 422 |
382
|
North Central 7/16-inch Oriented Strand Board | 180 | 180 | 205 |
*Weighted average of 11 key items |