In the week ending May 1, 2026, the price of Southern Yellow Pine West Side 2x4 #2&Btr KD (RL) was US$448 mfbm. This was down $45, or 9%, from the previous week when it was $493.
That week’s price was down $49, or 10%, from one month ago when it was $497.
As well, for the beginning of May, SYP West 2x4 #3/Utility KD (RL) was US$425 mfbm, which was down $20, or 4%, from the previous week when it was $445 and was up $26, or 6%, from one month ago when it was $415.
As for SYP West 2x6 #3/Utility KD (RL), that price was US$365 mfbm, which was down $15, or 4%, from the previous week when it was $380 and was up $24, or 7%, from one month ago when it was $349.
As May dawned most players in the North America lumber industry remained firmly on the side of caution. While there was a welcome increase in lumber demand since April, most prices remained flat. Sales volumes continued to be lower than was the busy spring season historically. Inventories of solid wood material throughout the supply chain were still low, something that has lately become a chronic situation. Most were reluctant to increase their inventories for fear of getting hit with higher replacement costs.
Transportation problems abounded across the continent, with buyers and seller alike spending more time locating their trucks and rail cars than actually making deals. Rapidly increasing fuel costs were on the top of everyone’s minds.
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
16 WESTERN PALLET