FROM THIS WEEK'S MADISON'S REPORTER

A brief selection of Madison's weekly market comments.
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Green Fir Hunkers Down

Thursday was the third day of the Chinese New Year, better known by some as “The Day of the Poor Devil”, when it is believed bad luck will befall anyone who does not hunker down and stay at home. The lumber market at large reflected this wary attitude, and green fir was no exception. While some items are expected to do well in the coming weeks – most notably green 2x6s, 2x8s, and 2x10s – traders said there was discouragingly little interest in 2x4 and 2x12 boards.

Douglas fir green 2x4 #2&Btr lumber price graph chart

WSPF Soft

With the celebration of the Chinese New Year in full swing across the western pond, both WSPF producers and buyers were playing it coy this week. No one wanted to make any sudden moves, as they watched the WSPF lumber market continue it’s slide into softer territory. Four and six-inch wide dimension items were especially quiet, but showed signs of an imminent increase in activity. While there was not a buildup of sizable order files, traders said the market at least held steady. One seller said lower grade items had lost the momentum of the past few weeks, giving way to increased buying interest in 2&Btr items. All in all, producers took this week’s quiet movement – or lack thereof – at face value, and looked to the near future with cautious optimism.

Recent mild weather on the west coast held this week. Most traders were happy to report that the winter climate was noticeably better than is usual for this time of year. While everyone enjoyed the favourable elements, no one is foolish enough to hold their breaths and expect it to continue.

Western Spruce-Pine-Fir 2x4 #3/Utility dimension lumber price graph chart