Southern pine prices rebounded sharply

Overview

Sales in North America were generally slow, with limited demand concentrated in higher grades in many markets.

Declining sales to China have prompted some exporters to shift more production to the domestic market. Rising import inventories from overseas suppliers have been a long-standing competitor for market share. Traders are closely watching negotiations on the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the Sino-US trade war, anticipating any developments that could shift market direction.

Spruce-Pine-Hemlock (SPF)

A lack of urgency among buyers and widespread uncertainty about the near-term product landscape are dampening activity. Prices are reportedly fluctuating slightly in both directions. Wholesalers are offering double-digit discounts to manufacturers to offload inventory, but with little success. Large imports from Europe are vying for market share.

WSPF 2X4 Secondary & BTRKD S4S (RL) dropped from $484 to $482. Compared to other species, its price dropped little from $486 last month.

WSPF 2X6 Secondary & BTRKD S4S (RL) remained unchanged at $388, up $4 from $384 last month.

In contrast, ESPF 2X4 Secondary & BTRKD S4S (RL) saw a sharp drop from $575 to $565, ​​$5 lower than last month's $570.

Southern pine

Southern pine price is one of the species that has seen a significant increase in price compared to other species.

The situation for southern pine is also being impacted by tariffs stemming from the US-China trade dispute, directly impacting the Chinese market, which was previously open to southern pine log and sawn timber opportunities. If negotiations fail in October, early October will wipe out all softwood lumber trade between the two countries.

Eastern Southern Pine 2X4 Grade 2 & BTR KD S4S increased by $13 from $448 to $461, up $33 from $428 last month.

Eastern Southern Pine 2x6 Grade II & BTR KD S4S won the price game for this week's species, rising to $392 from $357 last week. Southern Pine 2x6 has experienced some wild price fluctuations this month, with both ups and downs, resulting in this week's price only increasing by $1 from last month's $391.

Douglas fir

Most buyers are taking a wait-and-see approach. Demand for low-end products is weak, and prices are flat or slightly declining.

Douglas fir 2X4 #2&BTR S-GRN S4S fell from $445 to $440, the same as last month.

Douglas fir 2X10 #2&BTR S-GRN S4S remained unchanged at $450, up $10 from last month's price of $440.