SEPTEMBER 2022 BUILDING MATERIAL MARKET REFLECTION

As September comes to a close, we find ourselves in a market cycle very similar to last month. Buyers fighting uncertainty in the market due to inflation and rising interest rates, continue to step in when they need to and then retreat to the sidelines. Reluctant to take any significant positions heading into the winter months. Even further mill curtailment announcements or a potential rail strike did little to push buyers off the fence with any significance.

Microsoft Word – newresconst_auto_text.docx (census.gov)

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Lumber was lackluster at best dropping about 5% for the month across all widths. Some products could be found at significant discounts while mills held firm on their pricing on some of the more sought-after items. Some mills were stating order files into mid-October yet there were reports of many PO’s arriving as early as the following week.

OSB continued the price correction that started at the end of last month. Finally finding a bottom around mid-month. Supply remains tight as the two western producers have scheduled maintenance downtime going into October.

Plywood pricing also had significant corrections in September. With many feeling mills are hitting break-even costs at current price levels are we close to a bottom?

Truss order files remain strong as producers continue to work through the backlog of orders accumulated in 2022. This should carry many into the new year. Joist product is starting to open up with producers talking about lifting allocations over the upcoming weeks. LVL supply is still a major issue for most as allocations continue.

Building materials are continuing to show some supply issues with LP Smart Panel and trim, exterior drywall, and Tyvek house wrap, currently the three biggest challenges. Some due to allocations and some due to extended lead times

Finishing products remain in good shape, as producers report that raw material supply continues to be good allowing them to stay caught up with orders.

Looking Through the Crystal Ball

Expect the current trading cycle we’re in to continue throughout the rest of this year. Keeping prices in a fairly narrow trading range on most products. At these price levels, watch for more curtailments as mills try to get supply and demand back in line.

FRAMING LUMBER

The market continues to grind down despite the mills best efforts to hold prices. Mill order files are running two weeks or sooner on most items.

OSB

OSB looks to have found a bottom for the short term. Mill maintenance shutdowns in October should firm up pricing and has taken most excess product out of the market.

PLYWOOD

Reports that plywood mills are at break-even levels with current pricing could signal we are getting close to a bottom.

SEPTEMBER 30, 2022 LUMBER MARKET REPORT HIGHLIGHTS:

• Framing lumber prices decreased in most species as the third quarter ended.
• Western S-P-F sales were sluggish leading to a range of prices with a variety of inventory and ready cars.
• November futures contract settle throughout the week.
• Stud prices softened in many regions.

SEPTEMBER 30, 2022 PANEL MARKET REPORT HIGHLIGHTS:

• OSB market factors emerged through the week with little change to prices.
• Western plywood demand did not keep prices from decreasing.
• Many traders waited until the last minute to pick loads on quick shipments.
• Western Canada sales remained quieter, especially out of Vancouver.

*All Pricing is in CAD