Trading in framing lumber failed to break free from its post-countervailing duty standoff, but buyers and sellers made some strides toward getting back to the give and take of normal relations. Many buyers held back, anticipating lower prices amid the recent malaise. They worked off inventories built up ahead of the preliminary duty determination, or filled immediate needs from wholesalers and local distribution. However, Canadian mills in particular were slow to give in; by late in the week, some found trading levels that moved limited volumes to small blocks
Week May 5 |
Week Apr 28 |
Year Ago 2016 |
|
Random Lengths Framing Lumber Composite Price* | $429 | $435 | $353 |
KD Western S-P-F #2&Btr 2x4 R/L Mill Price | 403 | 404 | 301 |
KD Eastern S-P-F #1&2 2x4 R/L, delivered Great Lakes | 485 | 490 | 395 |
Green Douglas Fir Std&Btr 2x4 R/L (Portland) | 395 | 395 | 335 |
Southern Pine (Westside) #2 2x4 R/L | 480 | 495 | 429 |
KD Coast Hem-Fir #2&Btr 2x4 R/L | 425 | 425 | 375 |
Ponderosa Pine (Inland) #2&Btr 1x12 R/L | 675 | 665 | 700 |
* Weighted average of 15 key items |
Random Lengths Panel Market Report
Structural panel sales stalled. Prices of OSB held at last week’s levels in most producing regions. The lone exception cropped up in Eastern Canada, where producers with loads available to ship over the next two weeks sold at discounts. Southern Pine plywood sales were hard to come by for most mills, but downward price pressure was tempered by limited availability for next week shipment. The trading pace slowed in western Fir plywood, with mills often accepting counters to move loads.
(f.o.b. mill prices) | Week May 5 |
Week Apr 28 |
Year Ago 2016 |
Random Lengths Structural Panel Composite Price* | $424 | $426 | $370 |
Southern (west-east) 15/32-inch 3-ply rated sheathing plywood | 385-410 | 387-410 | 363-380 |
Southern (west-east) 15/32-inch 4-ply rated sheathing plywood | 390-415 | 392-415 | 365-383 |
Western 1/2-inch 4-ply rated sheathing plywood | 429 | 441 | 365 |
North Central 7/16-inch Oriented Strand Board | 333 | 333 | 268 |
*Weighted average of 11 key items |