Sales of framing lumber items waned as the week progressed, and the week finished in a standoff in many species. Mills fell back on order files or otherwise dug in their heels when buyers tried to pull prices down. Many prices edged higher on momentum from last week, but the Random Lengths Framing Lumber Composite Price leveled off at $311. Traders on Thursday were winding down for the coming holidays, which get under way with observance of Canada Day Monday, July 2. Expectations were decidedly low for the holiday week.







Panel market

Structural panel prices headed into the holiday week on an upward track, although the sales pace slowed as the week progressed. Prices of OSB posted moderate increases, with northern and western markets leading the way. The reported prices of 7/16-inch in the North Central region and Eastern Canada nearly hit $200 for the first time in a year. Plywood prices also posted increases, with western Fir leading the way. Producers in the West boasted order files into the weeks of July 23 and 30. In Southern Pine plywood, most sheathing prices finished with single-digit increases.