In North America, SPF markets in May were generally stable, with a slightly firmer undertone in select items. Supply remained balanced, while demand was uneven but sufficient to hold price levels and prevent any meaningful softening. Canadian SPF J-grade showed a mixed but resilient tone, with exporters facing continued competitive pressure while tighter availability in […]
In North America, markets remained mixed but generally firm through April. Tight supply and seasonal demand supported stable pricing. Western SPF trading was quieter than expected but sufficient to hold prices. Canadian SPF J-grade regained some competitiveness due to shipping delays and supply concerns in other regions of the world. However, softer demand increased competition […]
In North America, trading picked up in March, supported by limited supply and a spring demand push. Low-grade lumber led gains, often rising in double digits. J-grade prices faced downward pressure from higher landed costs due to surging bunker fuel and a weaker yen. Some importers scaled back April shipments, while others negotiated lower Q2 […]
Key Takeaways In February, North American lumber trading remained subdued, with buyers covering near-term needs amid winter slowdowns and tariff headlines that brought no policy changes. Over the month, #2&Btr rose about 1.3%, leaving the market stable but without clear momentum for the upcoming spring. Despite modest North American gains, Japanese demand for SPF J-grade […]
Key Takeaways North American lumber markets were generally quiet in January, although SPF #2&Btr gained nearly 10% compared with the end of 2025. Upward momentum slowed toward month-end as severe winter weather tempered buying activity. Despite recent price gains in North America, exports to Japan remain attractive relative to domestic sales, which could encourage Canadian mills […]
Key Takeaways Market activity softened modestly with the start of the holiday season across many framing lumber markets in North America. Holiday absences reduced staffing, but inquiry levels remained relatively steady, helping to stabilize market tone toward year-end. After falling by roughly 20% from mid-October through late November, SPF #2&Btr prices reversed in December and […]
Key Takeaways The downward trend that began in mid-October continued through November. SPF #2&Btr prices fell more than 10% during the month, hitting the monthly low at the end of November as U.S. Thanksgiving approached and Canadian demand remained in the typical seasonal fade. While there is hope for some activity after the long U.S. […]
Key Takeaways October started with steady upward momentum in SPF #2&Btr, with prices climbing more than $50 (over 15%) from early-month levels, peaking just past mid-month. Toward the end of the month—especially after the U.S. additional tariff on Canadian softwood products took effect—demand lagged well behind supply, pulling prices back down to only slightly above […]
Key Takeaways Higher US duty rates combined with historically weak demand are expected to keep Canadian SPF prices below breakeven through September. Many Canadian SPF mills may face increasing pressure for production shifts or curtailments in Q4, as neither demand nor prices show signs of recovery at this time. Q4 J-Grade negotiations are stabilizing with […]
Key Takeaways Western SPF remains weak, declining over the month due to soft demand and ample supply. Near-term demand recovery is expected to be limited. Activity historically picks up after Labor Day, but sentiment is likely to stay cautious without a major shift. Upcoming Q4 J-Grade negotiations could put downward pressure on pricing amid falling […]
