As May drew to a close the sales of lumber across North America remained quite low for the time of year.
Wildfires in Alberta decreased somewhat but were still a huge problem, as major forest fires erupted in Nova Scotia. Sawmill operators and forest technicians alike expressed great alarm at this fierce and very early fire season. Indeed, those in Alberta say the fires there will not be put out until the end of summer.
Meanwhile, lumber sales volumes remained quite low despite improved US home building data. Inventories in the field were robust, putting no urgency on customers to stock up on wood not needed immediately.
The level of supply was evenly matched with demand, resulting in a relatively flat business week in terms of pricing and sales activity.
In the week ending May 26, 2023, the price of benchmark softwood lumber item Western Spruce-Pine-Fir 2×4 #2&Btr KD (RL) was again US$350 mfbm, which is down -$10, or -3%, from the previous week when it was $360, said weekly forest products industry price guide newsletter Madison’s Lumber Reporter.
This is down by -$1, or -0%, from one month ago when it was $351.
Overall demand remained subdued as the market waited for the post-Memorial Day litmus test.
Traders of Western S-P-F in the United States reported a subdued tone to inquiry as holidaying Canadians returned to the market while players South of the border looked toward the Memorial Day long weekend.
Players told their charges to take advantage of what they called an undervalued market, particularly in the case of 2×10 dimension.
Sawmill order files were into early June and not much further. All eyes were on the following week and what traders hoped would be the unofficial start to the building season after Memorial Day.
The supply-demand equation in Western S-P-F dimension in Canada appeared to balance out, with sawmills remaining firm on most of their asking prices. Prices of narrows lost a little more ground, but it was in the single- or low double-digit range.
Sawmill curtailments and ongoing wildfires in Western Canada barely registered in terms of generating demand, but there was decidedly less material available overall than in previous weeks. Transportation had been smooth of late, with a competitive field of operators and stable fuel prices.
Softening demand for green Douglas-fir lumber and studs continued apace. Buyers were extra-quiet as the Victoria Day holiday weekend ended in Canada while those in the US geared up for their Memorial Day observations. Transactions were fickle, with customers nickeling-and-diming suppliers to the point of exhaustion, while keeping their sights trained on specific products only.
Secondary suppliers with cheaper offerings and quicker shipment timelines continued to have the most success in this sluggish market.
Madison’s Benchmark Top-Six Softwood Lumber and Panel Prices: Monthly Averages
