Random Lengths structural panel composite climbs US$2 to US$289/msf as some plywood producers raise quotes late in the week on improved sales activity

Wendy Lisney

LOS ANGELES , September 5, 2011 (Forestweb) – The Random Lengths structural panel composite gained US$2 in the week ending Sept. 2 to reach $289 per thousand sq. ft.(msf) – down $4 (1.37%) from the price reported at this time last year of $293/msf.

OSB sales were flat, but some plywood producers were able to raise quotes towards the end of the week as sales activity picked up, reported Random Lengths. Some OSB producers extended order files beyond the week of Sept. 19, helped along by a lift in demand from big box stores following Hurricane Irene.

The reported price of the benchmark grade, North Central 7/16 in., held at $192/msf for a second week after sliding $3 in the week ending Aug. 26. Compared to the price a year ago, Friday’s level was $22 (12.94%) higher.

The OSB composite dropped $1 (0.48%) to $208/msf, but was $8 (4%) higher than the price reported at this time last year of $200/msf.

Southern pine plywood producers increased quotes from Thursday on improved sales activity, although inquiry levels fell back on Friday ahead of the Labor Day holiday weekend. Most producers’ order files were booked into at least the week of Sept. 12, and some stretched as far ahead as the week of Sept. 26.

Demand was highest for rated sheathing, and price gains of $5 were reported. Westside mills held 15/32 in. 4-ply quotes at $295/msf for much of the week, but sales were at around $300/msf by Thursday and quotes were as high as $308/msf.

The reported price of Southern plywood Westside CDX 15/32 in. 3-ply gained $10 (3.51%) to reach $295/msf – down $10 (3.28%) from the price at this time last year of $305/msf.

Southern plywood Westside CDX 15/32 in.4-ply moved up $5 (1.69%) to $318/msf, but was $18 (5.66%) below the price reported at this time last year of $318/msf.

Southern plywood eastside CDX 15/32 in. 3-ply also gained $5 (1.56%) to end the week at $325/msf – down $7 (2.11%) from the price reported at this time last year of $332/msf.

The Southern pine plywood composite gained $5 (1.24%) to reach $409/msf on Friday, but was $20 (4.66%) below last year’s level ($429/msf).

Western plywood sales slowed from the previous week, but producers were able to make small upward adjustments to sheathing prices as order files extended further into September. By Friday, mills were quoting up to $330/msf on 1/2 in. 4-ply sheathing.

The reported price of Western Plywood Coast CDX 1/2 in. 4-ply was up $8 (2.55%) on Friday at $322/msf, and was $12 (3.87%) higher than the price reported last year at this time ($310/msf).

The Western fir plywood composite moved up $4 (0.87%) to $465/msf, but was $20 (4.12%) lower than the price at this time last year of $429/msf.

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