U.S. softwood and panel markets - week 7, 2012

  • February 20, 2012
  • • Source: Used with permission granted by Random Lenghts Publications, Inc.
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random lengths A quieter week of trading left many framing lumber prices close to where they started it. In some cases, prices flattened after early gains carried over from the previous week. Most producers held to a firm footing, with only occasional reports of developing cars offered quietly at discounts. Southern Pine charted its own course. Prices of SYP #1 and #2 dimension remained under downward pressure, while seasonal purchasing boosted prices of radius-edge decking. The net result for the Random Lengths Framing Lumber Composite Price was a $2 drop for the week.
Week
Feb 17
Week
Feb 10
Year Ago
2011
Random Lengths Framing Lumber Composite Price*
$284
 $286
$296
KD Western S-P-F #2&Btr 2x4 R/L Mill Price
267
265
 288
KD Eastern S-P-F #1&2 2x4 R/L, delivered Great Lakes
360
 360
379
Green Douglas Fir Std&Btr 2x4 R/L (Portland)
235
 235
 275
Southern Pine (Westside) #2 2x4 R/L
297
 306
312
KD Coast Hem-Fir Std&Btr 2x4 R/L
270
267
300
Ponderosa Pine (Inland) #2&Btr 1x12 R/L
635
625
585
* Weighted average of 15 key items

Structural panel prices were firm to stronger amid a mediocre sales pace. While OSB sales were less than robust, prices in most regions edged upward. Most mills finished the week with order files into the week of March 5. Most Southern Pine plywood producers approached the market with firm pricing, as order files at many plants reached the first week of March. Western Fir plywood producers held their ground despite an uneventful week of sales. Some shipments remained available for February.

(f.o.b. mill prices)
Week
Feb 17
Week
Feb 10
Year Ago
2011
Random Lengths Structural Panel Composite Price*
$319
$316
$299
Southern (west-east) 15/32-inch 3-ply exterior sheathing plywood 330-370
325-365
310-320
Southern (west-east) 15/32-inch 4-ply exterior sheathing plywood
340-380
335-370
310-335
Western 1/2-inch 4-ply exterior sheathing plywood 345
 345
320
North Central 7/16-inch Oriented Strand Board 193
188
205
*Weighted average of 11 key items