Key Takeaways For North American #2 & Btr SPF in September, the market remained subdued. 2×4 prices weakened further, while wider widths held relatively firm as availability tightened. Buyers continued to cover immediate needs rather than build inventory. Q4 trading for export J-grade improved somewhat. While North American 2×4 prices softened, J-grade assessments moved modestly […]
Key Takeaways For North American #2 & Btr SPF in August, weakness was concentrated in 2×4, with prices falling 8% through the month, while wides remained relatively stable. The market became more selective amid modest demand and weaker futures, although limited availability continued to support wider widths. Q4 negotiations for export J-grade are currently underway. Export […]
Key Takeaways North American #2&Btr SPF prices advanced further in July as constrained production and limited availability offset cautious buying sentiment. Market activity remained selective, with buyers focused mainly on wider widths where supply was particularly tight, resulting in price increases of approximately $50-$70 over the month. For J-grade, Q3 negotiations were completed and attention […]
Key Takeaways In North America, #2&Btr random dimension showed a firmer tone across most widths, with 2×6 and 2×10 standing out, rising by roughly 10% over the month. Canadian SPF J-grade concluded Q3 business at levels slightly above Q2 or largely unchanged, supported by lean inventories throughout the distribution chain. Upside was partially capped by […]
Key Takeaways 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 […]
Key Takeaways 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 […]
Key Takeaways 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 […]
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 […]
