As October dawned the supply-demand situation for north america construction
framing dimension softwood lumber did not become any less murky.
True autumn weather reached the North American continent causing the usual
seasonal slow-down for lumber demand. Prices of most construction framing
softwood lumber items responded accordingly. Players reported ongoing
frustration with transportation issues; both in terms of costs and
availability. Trucks and rail cars were diverted from lumber sellers to
seasonal goods.
Customers continued their very cautious approach, expressing concern that
lumber prices might fall further and not wanting to get caught with
more-expensive inventory as the market winds down into winter.
In the US south, weather hampered both building sites and
sawmill operations as heavy precipitation fell in many regions.
The latest US housing data was not encouraging for anyone looking forward to
an increase in demand for solid wood building materials.
In the week ending October 9, 2026, the price of benchmark softwood lumber
item Western Spruce-Pine-Fir 2×4 #2&Btr KD (RL) was US$454 mfbm.
This was down -$10, or 2%, from the previous week when it was $464, said
weekly forest products industry price guide newsletter Madison’s Lumber
Reporter.
That week’s price was down -$18, or -4%, from one month ago when it was
$472.
Compared To The Same Week Last Year, When It Was Us$442 Mfbm, The Price Of
Western Spruce-Pine-Fir 2×4 #2&Btr Kd (Rl) For The Week Ending October 9,
2026 Was Up +$12, Or +3%.
Compared To Two Years Ago When It Was $388, That Week’S Price Was Up +$66,
Or +17%.
Most of the Western North American lumber market again show
vulnerability, while Eastern prices climbed and OSB remained strong.
Sky-high fuel prices weighed heavily on every transaction.
KEY TAKE-AWAYS:
• Anemic buyer activity showed no signs of a turnaround.
• Inconsistent demand kept business at a subpar level for Western-SPF
suppliers in the US.
• Buyers remained cautious as they felt zero pressure to build inventory in
such a tentative market.
• Western-SPF suppliers in the Canada reported sentiment that the market was
already in a seasonal slowdown.
• More Eastern-SPF loads were dropped as seasonal goods took precedence over
lumber, making delivery timelines and costs only worse.
• Seasonal weather effects set in as excessive precipitation in many
Southern Yellow Pine sourcing regions disrupted an already-messy market.
• Sawmills in the US South were apparently approaching below-breakeven
prices in many cases.
• Eastern Stocking Wholesalers at the ports in New Jersey reported waning
takeaway.
MADISON’S BENCHMARK TOP-SIX SOFTWOOD LUMBER AND PANEL PRICES: MONTHLY
AVERAGES
Source: madisonsreport.com
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