RISI Crow’s Market Recap
Crow’s Market Recap: A condensed recap of the market conditions for the major North American softwood lumber and panel products as reported in Crow’s Weekly Market Report.
Lumber: SPF sales activity faded as the week progressed. Early trading exhibited some follow through from the prior week’s stellar activity, but three consecutive days of significant down moves in futures sent buyers to the sidelines. Producers reported order files extending into the week of September 10, with some orders in Sept. 17.
Southern Pine mill sales eased a little from the prior week’s strong pace, but solid momentum placed framing lumber prices in the plus column. Buyers looked for 2x4 more eagerly than other widths, which kept supplies of that item tighter and prices moving more aggressively than other widths.
Coastal species sales were a bit milder than the prior week. Traders reported momentum from the prior week was limited, but the overall market remained on firmer footing than two weeks prior. The pace of Inland lumber sales quieted a little, following last week’s good bounce. The market remained liquid. Demand for 2x6 #2 was energetic.
Stud pricing continued to exhibit moderate upward price pressure despite reports demand was more tepid than the week prior. Mills reported good sales, with order files extended two to three weeks in a lot of instances. Judging by the price consistency of Ponderosa and Radiata Pine industrials, those markets might be judged “stagnant,” but steady, and significant volumes of material continued to move. Both species reflect balanced demand, especially from key remanufacturers and major window companies. Ponderosa Pine 4/4 Selects remained stable and quiet, conforming to their months-long pattern.
ESLP 4/4 Commons adjusted moderately on several items; the species is still being sought with energy from customers who favor it. While the Western Red Cedar market was not on fire, the region in which the species is produced into lumber was. Producers reported “lackluster sales activity,” forced to negotiate prices in some instances on a mill-to-mill basis where accumulations developed.
A price index of lumber and panels used in actual construction for Aug. 24, 2018.
Western: regional species perimeter foundation
Southern: regional species slab construction

Panels: OSB markets were in more of a digestive phase this week, although some suggested buyers will need to come back to the table soon with inventories still thin. Most order files rang anywhere from the week of August 27 in the US South to Sept. 24.
Southern Pine rated sheathing prices continued to move higher. Increases of $5-10 were common. Several producers reported sporadic sales, depending on the day, which led to overall lighter activity than the two prior weeks. Western Fir plywood producers reported decent sales activity. Mill lead times eased into the week of September 10, although availability remained in the first week of next month, with a little left over for next week.
Canadian plywood activity was scattered this week, mostly slower though steady. Western markets were stronger than those in the East, and sales into the US were strong with a favorable exchange rate. Degrades were again hot.
MDF sales remained strong. Demand for MDF kept mill order files extended sometimes well into September and even through that month.
Particleboard sales remained less intense than MDF. A large number of market participants were away from their desks, attending the International Woodworking Fair in Atlanta.
Lumber: SPF sales activity faded as the week progressed. Early trading exhibited some follow through from the prior week’s stellar activity, but three consecutive days of significant down moves in futures sent buyers to the sidelines. Producers reported order files extending into the week of September 10, with some orders in Sept. 17.
Southern Pine mill sales eased a little from the prior week’s strong pace, but solid momentum placed framing lumber prices in the plus column. Buyers looked for 2x4 more eagerly than other widths, which kept supplies of that item tighter and prices moving more aggressively than other widths.
Coastal species sales were a bit milder than the prior week. Traders reported momentum from the prior week was limited, but the overall market remained on firmer footing than two weeks prior. The pace of Inland lumber sales quieted a little, following last week’s good bounce. The market remained liquid. Demand for 2x6 #2 was energetic.
Stud pricing continued to exhibit moderate upward price pressure despite reports demand was more tepid than the week prior. Mills reported good sales, with order files extended two to three weeks in a lot of instances. Judging by the price consistency of Ponderosa and Radiata Pine industrials, those markets might be judged “stagnant,” but steady, and significant volumes of material continued to move. Both species reflect balanced demand, especially from key remanufacturers and major window companies. Ponderosa Pine 4/4 Selects remained stable and quiet, conforming to their months-long pattern.
ESLP 4/4 Commons adjusted moderately on several items; the species is still being sought with energy from customers who favor it. While the Western Red Cedar market was not on fire, the region in which the species is produced into lumber was. Producers reported “lackluster sales activity,” forced to negotiate prices in some instances on a mill-to-mill basis where accumulations developed.
A price index of lumber and panels used in actual construction for Aug. 24, 2018.
Western: regional species perimeter foundation
Southern: regional species slab construction
Panels: OSB markets were in more of a digestive phase this week, although some suggested buyers will need to come back to the table soon with inventories still thin. Most order files rang anywhere from the week of August 27 in the US South to Sept. 24.
Southern Pine rated sheathing prices continued to move higher. Increases of $5-10 were common. Several producers reported sporadic sales, depending on the day, which led to overall lighter activity than the two prior weeks. Western Fir plywood producers reported decent sales activity. Mill lead times eased into the week of September 10, although availability remained in the first week of next month, with a little left over for next week.
Canadian plywood activity was scattered this week, mostly slower though steady. Western markets were stronger than those in the East, and sales into the US were strong with a favorable exchange rate. Degrades were again hot.
MDF sales remained strong. Demand for MDF kept mill order files extended sometimes well into September and even through that month.
Particleboard sales remained less intense than MDF. A large number of market participants were away from their desks, attending the International Woodworking Fair in Atlanta.