Trading slowed as buyers’ sense of the market turned more bearish. Numerous factors weighing on the market generated uncertainty, which in turn led to a cautious approach. Topping the list was the coming pause in the countervailing duty, and anticipation that Canadian mills could lower prices with the nearly 20% CVD suspended. The sharp discount in futures to cash was another factor, with EFPs reportedly emerging well in advance of the September contract’s close.
This Week Aug 11 |
Last Week Aug 4 |
Year Ago 2016 |
|
Random Lengths Framing Lumber Composite Price* | $423 | $427 | $369 |
KD Western S-P-F #2&Btr 2x4 R/L Mill Price | 397 | 409 | 330 |
KD Eastern S-P-F #1&2 2x4 R/L, delivered Great Lakes | 497 | 500 | 431 |
Green Douglas Fir Std&Btr 2x4 R/L (Portland) | 485 | 485 | 350 |
Southern Pine (Westside) #2 2x4 R/L | 380 | 385 | 426 |
KD Coast Hem-Fir #2&Btr 2x4 R/L | 437 | 440 | 345 |
Ponderosa Pine (Inland) #2&Btr 1x12 R/L | 680 | 685 | 705 |
* Weighted average of 15 key items |
Random Lengths Panel Market Report
Structural panel trading faded, and prices lost ground. Mill sales of OSB slowed to a crawl, and prices leveled off in most producing regions. Dealers and distributors continued to run with lean inventories, and were hesitant to pay current mill quotes for loads that wouldn’t arrive for weeks. A lethargic trading pace led some Southern Pine plywood mills to take steep counters on thick rated sheathing to clear accumulations and extend order files. Western Fir plywood trading slowed as producers and buyers engaged in a standoff.
(f.o.b. mill prices) | This Week Aug 11 |
Last Week Aug 4 |
Year Ago 2016 |
Random Lengths Structural Panel Composite Price* | $455 | $456 | $394 |
Southern (west-east) 15/32-inch 3-ply rated sheathing plywood | 382-405 | 382-405 | 365-385 |
Southern (west-east) 15/32-inch 4-ply rated sheathing plywood | 387-410 | 387-410 | 365-387 |
Western 1/2-inch 4-ply rated sheathing plywood | 495 | 500 | 413 |
North Central 7/16-inch Oriented Strand Board | 410 | 410 | 310 |
*Weighted average of 11 key items |