Expectations of some traders for a swift start to the year topped reality, as a number of factors left buyers straddling the fence. China’s weakening economy was a catalyst for dives in global stocks, and raised questions about the underlying strength of U.S. financial markets. Oil prices touched a multiyear low, and concern about commodity prices, including lumber, were widely evident. Winter weather was another major factor, although traders selling into markets with more mild conditions were more upbeat.
This Week Jan 8 |
Last Week Dec 31 |
Year Ago 2015 |
|
Random Lengths Framing Lumber Composite Price* | $320 | $320 | $385 |
KD Western S-P-F #2&Btr 2x4 R/L Mill Price | 273 | 274 | 340 |
KD Eastern S-P-F #1&2 2x4 R/L, delivered Great Lakes | 375 | 375 | 442 |
Green Douglas Fir Std&Btr 2x4 R/L (Portland) | 290 | 290 | 317 |
Southern Pine (Westside) #2 2x4 R/L | 412 | 412 | 465 |
KD Coast Hem-Fir #2&Btr 2x4 R/L | 303 | 303 | 345 |
Ponderosa Pine (Inland) #2&Btr 1x12 R/L | 660 | 660 | 665 |
* Weighted average of 15 key items |
Random Lengths Panel Market Report
Structural panel trading was moderate to begin the year. OSB sales were slow to steady, depending on the region, and prices held or edged higher. Most mills quoted shipments for the last two weeks of January. Rain and colder temperatures cooled Southern Pine plywood trading after Wednesday. In rated sheathing, mills finished the week quoting shipments for the week of January 18 or sooner. The year began on an uneventful note for western Fir plywood traders, as buyers primarily purchased fill-in loads.
(f.o.b. mill prices) | This Week Jan 8 |
Last Week Dec 31 |
Year Ago 2015 |
Random Lengths Structural Panel Composite Price* | $360 | $358 | $394 |
Southern (west-east) 15/32-inch 3-ply rated sheathing plywood | 375-405 | 373-405 | 447-484 |
Southern (west-east) 15/32-inch 4-ply rated sheathing plywood | 380-412 | 380-412 | 452-492 |
Western 1/2-inch 4-ply rated sheathing plywood | 359 | 360 | 420 |
North Central 7/16-inch Oriented Strand Board | 235 | 230 | 205 |
*Weighted average of 11 key items |