Random Lengths North American structural panel composite climbs US$5 in week of April 18 to US$359/msf; OSB prices increase in a US$1-US$5 range, Western, Southern plywood sheathing prices increase despite slower sales pace compared to previous week

Wendy Lisney

LOS ANGELES , April 20, 2014 (Industry Intelligence Inc.) – The Random Lengths North American structural panel composite advanced US$5 (1.41%) to $359 per thousand sq. ft. (msf) in the week ended April 18, but was down $150 (29.47%) from the price reported at this time a year ago of $509/msf, reported Random Lengths in its weekly panel market report.

OSB mills reported a pick-up in sales compared to the past few weeks, reported Random Lengths. Price increased in a $1-$5 range in most producing regions, and the reported price of the benchmark grade, OSB North Central 7/16 in. gained $5 (2.44%) on the week – but was $195 (48.15%) lower than the price reported at this time last year of $405/msf.

The OSB composite edged $2 (0.82%) higher to $245/msf, but was down $207 (45.80%) from the price reported a year ago of $452/msf.

Southern plywood sales slowed after a strong finish in the week ending April 11, but most mills booked order files two weeks ahead, and some as far out as the week of May 5, reported Random Lengths. Demand was most active from home centers and distribution yards, but wholesalers remained cautious. Transport issues remained an issue, with railcar and truck shortages leaving some mills up to 10 days late on shipments.

The reported price of Southern Plywood Westside CDX 15/32 in. 3-ply moved $8 (2.16%) higher to $378/msf, down $127 (25.15%) from the price reported at this time last year of $505/msf.

Southern Plywood Eastside CDX 15/32 in. 3-ply climbed $10 (2.50%) to $410/msf, but was lower than the year-ago price of $532/msf by $122 (22.93%).

Southern Plywood Westside CDX 15/32 in. 4-ply also gained $10 (2.72%), reaching $378/msf on April 18. Friday’s reported price was $132 (25.88%) lower than the price reported at this time last year of $510/msf.

The Southern Pine Plywood composite advanced $7 (1.30%) to $547/msf, but was $111 (16.87%) lower than the price reported at this time last year of $658/msf.

In Western plywood markets, sales were uneven but generally slower than the pace of the previous week, reported Random Lengths. Some mills raised quotes gently and prices were either flat or modestly higher. A number of mills extended order files into the week of April 28, and some into early May, although a few mills still had volumes available for shipment in the week of April 21.

The reported price of Western Plywood Coast CDX ½ in. 4 ply advanced $5 (1.31%) to $387/msf – down $93 (19.38%) from the year-ago price of $480/msf. Random Lengths noted that most mills booked business in the high $380s, and a few sold in the $390s, while some secondaries had offerings in the $370s.

The Western fir plywood composite advanced $3 (0.18%) to $572/msf from $569/msf, but was $83 (12.67%) below the price reported at this time a year ago of $655/msf.

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