A slower pace of sales was widely noted in the US lumber market of last week, but strength in prices of framing lumber prevailed. The gains mostly came early in the week on momentum carried over from the previous week. Many traders paused to digest recent purchases and higher prices. That approach was abetted by the Montreal Wood Convention and spring break, which took many traders out of their offices. Easter observances were an additional factor late in the week. The Random Lengths Framing Lumber Composite Price rose for an eighth straight week.
| This Week Mar 25 |
Last Week Mar 18 |
Year Ago 2015 |
|
| Random Lengths Framing Lumber Composite Price* | $340 | $332 | $333 |
| KD Western S-P-F #2&Btr 2x4 R/L Mill Price | 303 | 299 | 276 |
| KD Eastern S-P-F #1&2 2x4 R/L, delivered Great Lakes | 378 | 375 | 381 |
| Green Douglas Fir Std&Btr 2x4 R/L (Portland) | 332 | 328 | 298 |
| Southern Pine (Westside) #2 2x4 R/L | 387 | 381 | 395 |
| KD Coast Hem-Fir #2&Btr 2x4 R/L | 352 | 337 | 310 |
| Ponderosa Pine (Inland) #2&Btr 1x12 R/L | 675 | 675 | 670 |
| * Weighted average of 15 key items | |||
Random Lengths Panel Market Report
Firm to higher prices were evident in structural panel markets. Western Fir plywood recorded the largest price jumps, with some items posting double-digit increases. A moderate surge of orders Wednesday and Thursday solidified mills’ positions and gave them the impetus to bump prices higher. Sales tapered in all markets due to Good Friday observances. OSB prices posted $3-8 increases in all producing zones. Most of the sharpest increases were seen in the West. Modest increases were posted in Southern Pine plywood.
| (f.o.b. mill prices) | This Week Mar 25 |
Last Week Mar 18 |
Year Ago 2015 |
| Random Lengths Structural Panel Composite Price* | $354 | $350 | $376 |
| Southern (west-east) 15/32-inch 3-ply rated sheathing plywood | 373-397 | 370-397 | 442-500 |
| Southern (west-east) 15/32-inch 4-ply rated sheathing plywood | 375-400 | 375-400 | 447-508 |
| Western 1/2-inch 4-ply rated sheathing plywood | 358 | 340 | 427 |
| North Central 7/16-inch Oriented Strand Board | 225 | 220 | 183 |
| *Weighted average of 11 key items | |||
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