or 2%, from the previous week when it was $315 and was up $14, or 4%, from one month o when it was $306.
As new business for 2026 got going after the annual Holiday break, lumber prices increased slightly from the usual seasonal lows of year-end. Current levels were quite close to the beginning of both last year and 2024, providing good stability of price trends. This meant industry folks could better plan for the oncoming spring construction season than has been true for several years.
Sawmill production volumes remained lower as operators continue to be cautious about keeping manufacturing in line with demand. At the same time, however, inventories throughout the supply chain were so lean as to be non-existent. Due to so many unknowns continually cropping up in recent years, lumber producers will not increase production until there is a true rise in actual sales.
Customers, meanwhile, have become accustomed to getting the small amounts of wood they need in relatively short order so have seen no reason to build up inventory. In this context, no one knows what the market situation will be over the next few weeks. The prevailing sentiment is: to just hope there is no shock or surprise which catches people unprepared.
Keta Kosman is the owner of the weekly Madison’s Lumber Reporter, the premiere source for North American softwood lumber and pellet news, prices, industry insight, and industry contacts. Established in 1952, Madison’s publishes current Canadian and U.S. construction framing dimension lumber and panel wholesaler pricing information 50 weeks a year and provides access to historical pricing as well.
Keta Kosman
Publisher
Madison’s Lumber Reporter, est. 1952
Vancouver, BC, Canada
www.madisonsreport.com
604 319-2266
14 WESTERN PALLET