At a time when framing lumber traders typically experience a seasonal slowdown, demand remained steady to active, and there was plenty of news to digest. Lower duty levels announced Thursday on Canadian exports to the U.S. sent the futures market plummeting through the day. But the announcement had little if any impact on the cash market. While not necessarily related to the trade issue, many prices finished the week on more solid footing.
Random Lengths Panel Market Report
Structural panel prices plummeted. Price softness that began in earnest last week gained momentum in OSB, and deep cuts were reported in some regions. The sharpest discounts were reported in the South. Lean inventories and immediate needs kept a number of Southern Pine plywood buyers in the market, but most mills had to accept counters on rated sheathing to secure orders. Western Fir plywood sales slowed at the mill level. Delayed shipments caused havoc, as business in the field remained solid.
(f.o.b. mill prices) | This Week Nov 3 |
Last Week Oct 27 |
Year Ago 2016 |
Random Lengths Structural Panel Composite Price* | $509 | $527 | $366 |
Southern (west-east) 15/32-inch 3-ply rated sheathing plywood | 475-520 | 495-520 | 350-380 |
Southern (west-east) 15/32-inch 4-ply rated sheathing plywood | 480-525 | 500-525 | 355-383 |
Western 1/2-inch 4-ply rated sheathing plywood | 482 | 500 | 344 |
North Central 7/16-inch Oriented Strand Board | 440 | 455 | 287 |
*Weighted average of 11 key items |