At The Start Of July, The Dual Canada Day / Us Independence Day Long
Weekends Brought A Pause To Lumber Selling Across North America.
As well, logistics were quite challenging on the transportation side. Demand
did perk up slightly, however customers were mindful of the looming increase
to softwood lumber duties on Canadian wood.
Sawmills showed limited supply, which did not deter buyers from their
ongoing practice of not stocking inventory. Suppliers sold highly-specified
loads while maintaining order files out past two weeks.
Of course, capacity utilization rates remain lower than optimal as the
softwood lumber manufacturing industry experiences a significant increase in
demand.
This will happen when interest rates fall enough to bring the construction
of new homes in the US up higher than they are now in mid-2025.
In the week ending July 4, 2025, the price of benchmark softwood lumber item
Western Spruce-Pine-Fir 2×4 #2&Btr KD (RL) was US$485 mfbm.
This is up +$5, or +1%, from the previous week when it was $480, said weekly
forest products industry price guide newsletter Madison’s Lumber Reporter.
That week’s price is up +$17, or +4%, from one month ago when it was $468.
Compared To The Same Week Last Year, When It Was Us$384 Mfbm, The Price Of
Western Spruce-Pine-Fir 2×4 #2&Btr Kd (Rl) For The Week Ending July 4, 2025
Was Up +$91, Or +24%.
Compared To Two Years Ago When It Was $390, That Week’S Price Was Up +$85,
Or +22%.
.
KEY TAKE-AWAYS:
Sawmills reported narrow trading ranges, with gritty day-to-day sales
efforts.
Lumber market had a seriously disjointed feel.
Retail purchasers refused to overextend their inventories while future
business remained uncertain.
Western S-P-F players in Canada received pushback from purchasers.
Trading influenced by upcoming increases to softwood lumber duties.
The dual national holidays brought logistical challenges.
Supply dwindled as the week wore on, putting more pressure on active buyers
to cover their short-term needs.
MADISON’S BENCHMARK TOP-SIX SOFTWOOD LUMBER AND PANEL PRICES: MONTHLY
AVERAGES
Source:
madisonsreport.com
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