U.S. softwood and panel markets - week 5, 2012

  • February 07, 2012
  • • Source: Used with permission granted by Random Lenghts Publications, Inc.
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random lengths Buyers circulating back into the framing lumber market were evident as early as Tuesday, generating a solid week of sales. Fair weather across the continent allowed builders to step up construction, even in areas often shut down by wintry conditions this time of year. Strong upward moves in futures through Wednesday buoyed confidence in the cash market, while offshore sales were steady to stronger for western producers. The Random Lengths Framing Lumber Composite gained for a seventh consecutive week.
Week
Feb 3
Week
Jan 27
Year Ago
2011
Random Lengths Framing Lumber Composite Price*
$286
 $284
$297
KD Western S-P-F #2&Btr 2x4 R/L Mill Price
255
244
 300
KD Eastern S-P-F #1&2 2x4 R/L, delivered Great Lakes
354
 342
383
Green Douglas Fir Std&Btr 2x4 R/L (Portland)
230
 227
 262
Southern Pine (Westside) #2 2x4 R/L
315
 317
334
KD Coast Hem-Fir Std&Btr 2x4 R/L
263
260
295
Ponderosa Pine (Inland) #2&Btr 1x12 R/L
610
595
575
* Weighted average of 15 key items

Structural panel prices slipped as demand faded. OSB sales were slow, and the tone of the market turned more bearish. This was most evident at the secondary level, where many traders reported difficulty moving contract loads. Southern Pine plywood traders again dealt with a week of sloppy pricing in rated sheathing that covered extremely wide ranges. Western Fir traders struggled to find price levels on sheathing that would generate significant sales. Many buyers sought to return to levels prior to the Chilean mill fire.

(f.o.b. mill prices)
Week
Feb 3
Week
Jan 27
Year Ago
2011
Random Lengths Structural Panel Composite Price*
$315
$323
$289
Southern (west-east) 15/32-inch 3-ply exterior sheathing plywood 322-365
335-375
290-320
Southern (west-east) 15/32-inch 4-ply exterior sheathing plywood
328-380
340-400
305-330
Western 1/2-inch 4-ply exterior sheathing plywood 335
 355
307
North Central 7/16-inch Oriented Strand Board 193
202
182
*Weighted average of 11 key items