As March rolled along the ongoing harsh winter weather continued to stymie lumber sales.
Some prices of Southern Yellow Pine started to rise as the US south at least started to thaw. All across North America the supply chain was a major topic as trucks were increasingly difficult to source and freight prices rose up to 30% compared to one year ago.
Supply of lumber remained constant while demand was more toward inquiry than actual purchases.
Those who truly wanted wood asked for quick deliveries, which just was not possible. The seemingly now-entrenched habit of not stocking inventory could become a real problem in the coming weeks as spring truly arrives. While lumber supply continues low as so many
sawmills have reduced manufacturing volumes, log yards are well stocked.
Which means, once construction activity gets going in spring, lumber producers will be able to ramp up volumes as there is plentiful supply of fibre.
In the week ending March 6, 2026 the price of Western Spruce-Pine-Fir 2×4 #2&Btr KD (RL) was US$456 mfbm, which was down -$10, or -2%, from the previous week when it was $466, said weekly forest products industry price guide newsletter Madison’s Lumber Reporter.
That week’s price was down -$9, or -2%, from one month ago when it was $465.
There continued uncertainty in all species, categories, and grades; lumber traders waited for the other shoe to drop before spring.
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KEY TAKE-AWAYS:
- Winter weather still reigned, keeping consumption quiet in many key markets across North America.
- The demand side for Western-SPF in the US appeared to be waiting on suppliers to confirm the direction of the market.
- Year-long transportation issues resulted in higher operating costs and reduced supply of empty flatbeds.
- The tone and pace of business for Western-SPF traders in Canada was largely unchanged.
- Suppliers of Eastern-SPF reported the overall direction of business remained indeterminate.
- Eastern lumber buyers were challenged by a tricky market as print levels floated around the previous week’s levels.
- Players in the US voiced their frustrations with constant issues in trucking.
- The Southern Yellow Pine market was hard to tell what direction business was headed, with so many unanswered questions and spring rapidly approaching.
- The bulk of SYP inquiry was for wood that could deliver tomorrow, which was not possible.
- The apparent 20-30 per cent higher freight rates over last year did not help operators.
Madison’s Benchmark Top-Six Softwood Lumber and Panel Prices: Monthly Averages
