Mid-June sales were unremarkable, and traders struggled to discern the softwood lumber market’s near-term course. This led to conservative, just-in-time purchasing, with buyers taking care to avoid adding to their inventories. Quick shipments were a priority, fueling the notion that there was little inventory cushion in the distribution system. Mills, meanwhile, worked to push order file through the July 4 holiday. Buyers shopped hard to find the tallies they needed, often paying full price when they found them.
Week Jun 17 | Week Jun 10 | Year Ago 2015 | |
Random Lengths Framing Lumber Composite Price* | $349 | $352 | $332 |
KD Western S-P-F #2&Btr 2x4 R/L Mill Price | 320 | 320 | $291 |
KD Eastern S-P-F #1&2 2x4 R/L, delivered Great Lakes | 420 | 415 | $384 |
Green Douglas Fir Std&Btr 2x4 R/L (Portland) | 350 | 353 | $320 |
Southern Pine (Westside) #2 2x4 R/L | 381 | 388 | $344 |
KD Coast Hem-Fir #2&Btr 2x4 R/L | 370 | 372 | $315 |
Ponderosa Pine (Inland) #2&Btr 1x12 R/L | 705 | 705 | $670 |
* Weighted average of 15 key items |
Random Lengths Panel Market Report
Plywood sales outpaced OSB amid a mixed structural panel market. Prices of OSB continued to slide as producers searched for levels that would entice buyers to purchase more than fill-in loads. Southern Pine plywood sales accelerated Wednesday, spurred by reports of mill downtime to be taken the week of July 4. A perception of little to no downside risk was another incentive for buyers. Some western Fir producers noted the week was the best they had experienced in 18 months.
(f.o.b. mill prices) | Week Jun 17 | Week Jun 10 | Year Ago 2015 |
Random Lengths Framing Lumber Composite Price* | $371 | $372 | $372 |
Southern (west-east) 15/32-inch 3-ply rated sheathing plywood | 360-380 | 335-375 | $415-442 |
Southern (west-east) 15/32-inch 4-ply rated sheathing plywood | 362-380 | 335-375 | $420-442 |
Western 1/2-inch 4-ply rated sheathing plywood | 383 | 371 | $415 |
North Central 7/16-inch Oriented Strand Board | 277 | 280 | $208 |
* Weighted average of 11 key items |