Key Takeaways
- North American #2&Btr prices were mixed in October. 2×4 and 2×6 declined by approximately 10% from late September, while 2×8 and 2×10 moved slightly higher. Overall trading remained subdued, with buyers generally cautious about adding inventory.
- Export J-Grade prices remained relatively stable. Japanese wooden housing starts increased 6% year over year through August, while lumber imports declined approximately 17% over the same period. Canadian exporters continued to face a challenging environment, with the use of domestically sourced Sugi expanding and European suppliers also seeking to maintain their presence in the Japanese market.
- Looking ahead, slower North American demand may encourage more suppliers to seek export opportunities, where demand is also subdued and competition remains strong. Meanwhile, further production adjustments could limit supplies of certain grades and dimensions. How these opposing factors will affect prices remains uncertain.
Western SPF J-Grade 2″x4″
- October 2026: $580-$590
- MoM: ±0 (±0%)
- YoY: ▲$40 (▲6.5%)
*C&F JPN, USD per Thousand Board Feet
Western SPF #2&BTR 2″x4″
- October 2026: $412
- MoM: ▲$46 (▲10.0%)
- YoY: ▲$33 (▲7.4%)
*FOB Mill in Canada, USD per Thousand Board Feet
Western SPF #3/Utility 2″x4″
- October 2026: $312
- MoM: ▲$60 (▲16.1%)
- YoY: +$35 (+12.6%)
*FOB Mill in Canada, USD per Thousand Board Feet