A mildly faster pace of sales in dry framing contrasted with sagging demand and prices in green Douglas Fir. Summer shutdowns and curtailments that kept supplies in check were keys to price gains in dry species. Western S-P-F led the way as sales carried over from a surge in order at the end of last week. Dealers focused on purchases of truckloads from inventories in the field. However, this strategy of running with lean inventories required them to pay close attention to developing needs and to guard against running out.
Week
Jul 11
Week
Jul 3
Year Ago
2007
Random Lengths Framing
Lumber Composite Price*
$264
$262
$306
KD Western S-P-F #2&Btr 2x4 R/L
Mill Price
262
248
279
KD Eastern S-P-F #1&2 2x4 R/L,
delivered Great Lakes
330
325
368
Green Douglas Fir Std&Btr 2x4
R/L (Portland)
190
208
250
Southern Pine (Westside) #2 2x4 R/L
290
294
303
KD Coast Hem-Fir Std&Btr 2x4 R/L
242
240
280
Ponderosa Pine (Inland) #2&Btr
1x12 R/L
470
475
675
* Weighted
average of 15 key items
Modest sales and thin order files led to discounting in structural
panels. OSB producers still had loads available for shipment next week
on Friday morning, and discounts of $5-10 were available in most
regions. Eastern Canada showed more firmness than other regions, due to
steady sales within Canada. In plywood, discounts were usually limited
to single digits. In Southern Pine, thick panels of sheathing were most
vulnerable. Trading in western Fir plywood was measured, but still a
bit more active than other structural panels.
