Usual Seasonal Downturn Brings Softer Lumber Prices
frustrated and confused players.
June 2025
June 2025
November 2025
October 2025 drew to a close with the usual seasonal slowdown in lumber buying thus some price softness. However, current levels are somewhat higher than the same week last year and in 2023. Indeed, for benchmark softwood lumber commodity item Western SPF 2x4 this price was up 16% compared to the end of October 2024 and up 25% compared to the previous year. This confirms what Madison’s explained earlier this year; that the price trendlines over the past three years are showing a good stability.
The final push to book orders for all expected needs toward year-end was on. Sales volumes remained small, yet constrained supply served to keep prices stable. Most players agreed the writing is on the wall for the beginning of the real slowdown of construction as true winter weather approaches.
Customers continued searching for prompt wood. Sentiment was still generally cautious if not downright pessimistic. Only specialty items and some panel products’ prices increased.
Due to ongoing curtailments and downtime, Western SPF producers were able to push their sawmill order files out to two or three weeks.
KEY COMMENT
North American lumber commodity prices appeared vulnerable, as oversupply was a common topic of conversation.