September has waned, and as this autumn dawned north american construction
framing dimension softwood lumber prices levelled off.
The downward corrections into summer’s end reversed to close September up
slightly. Indeed; current levels were almost even to the start of this year
as well as closely matching the same weeks last year and in 2023.
This is a return to historical price trend, with regular swings up and down
throughout the year as construction increases then slows down for winter.
Ongoing questions by industry folks over the past two years of what are the
new price highs and lows seem to be answered.
This year the annual price cycle ranged by approximately $160 mfbm,
providing good price stability for operators.
In the week ending September 26, 2025, the price of benchmark softwood
lumber item Western Spruce-Pine-Fir 2×4 #2&Btr KD (RL) was US$430 mfbm. This
was flat from the previous week when it was $430, said weekly forest
products industry price guide newsletter Madison’s Lumber Reporter.
That week’s price was down -$71, or -14%, from one month ago when it was
$501.
Compared to the same week last year, when it was us$404 mfbm, the price of
western spruce-pine-fir 2×4 #2&btr kd (rl) for the week ending September 26,
2025 was up +$26, or +6%.
Compared to two years ago when it was $416, that week’s price was up +$14,
or +3%.
..
KEY TAKE-AWAYS:
Suppliers of Western-SPF in the United States reported sales only marginally
improved.
Western-SPF sales in Canada gained traction on perception that prices had
bottomed out.
Large national producers were able to extend their sawmill order files and
refuse most counteroffers.
Eastern-SPF sellers had their heads on a swivel, with weakening prices,
tight availability, and low field inventories.
Last-minute purchasing was still common as buyers had gotten used to finding
what they needed for quick shipment with ease.
Southern Yellow Pine commodities firmed as mills held their prices steady
and didn’t chase counters as stridently as in September.
Supply accumulations were mostly cleaned up, SYP suppliers had leaner
inventories.
Eastern stocking wholesalers were frustrated there wasn’t much time for
autumn construction before snow starts to fly.
MADISON’S BENCHMARK TOP-SIX SOFTWOOD LUMBER AND PANEL PRICES: MONTHLY
AVERAGES
Source:
madisonsreport.com
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