Western SPF: USA Tumble
- The economic repercussions of COVID-19 continued to unfold last week as Western Spruce-Pine-Fir purveyors in the US had a hard time securing consistent sales at anything other than crazy prices.
- Suppliers had wildly variable inventories of on-ground stock and spot-counters of up to $50 per thousand were not uncommon.
- Sawmill order files were nonexistent, with only the most sought-after items at one week out.
Softwood Panel Prices Market-Leading Oriented Strand Board 7/16″ Ontario Price Graph: April 3, 2020
Western SPF: Canada Tricky
- Rapidly falling Western Spruce-Pine-Fir prices at Canadian sawmills began to bring in buyers in the middle of last week as uncertain customers found their trading price levels.
- US buyers spent Monday and Tuesday confirming destinations for their wood – specifically which states’ construction industries were shut down and which weren’t – before diving in to make purchases Wednesday.
- Sawmill order files were at no more than one week and Canadian producers were content to be selling what they were shipping.
- Sales of low grade WSPF was conspicuously strong compared to #2&Btr, with one large producer sold out on 4- and 6-inch #4/Economy. Demand for pallets and other dunnage for moving groceries and essentials made #3 and #4 grade wood move quickly.
Standard Construction Framing North American Dimension Softwood Lumber and Panel Prices: Wholesale Price April 3, 2020 (net FOB mill North America)
