Southern Comments

#2A&3A OAK

After a tumultuous start to 2026, low-grade green Oak markets calmed down this week. Though all the issues impacting #2A&3A White Oak and Red Oak prices—namely tie quotas, slow residential and truck trailer flooring purchasing, and static demand for pallet cants—remain the same, there are no changes to the listings. Only two listings change for low-grade kiln dried Oak, with decreases for both 4/4 #2A Red and White Oak.

RED OAK

Market conditions for green Red Oak did not change much this week. Prices showed little movement in either direction, and all the listings stand pat. Interest from domestic secondary manufacturers is steady but balanced evenly with production of green Red Oak. There is more movement on the kiln dried side, due largely to international interest. The listings and upper ends of the ranges for 4/4 #1C increase, while reported prices push the listings and lower sides of the ranges for 5/4 #1C upward. The only decreases are for the 4/4 #2A listings.

WHITE OAK

The market is more stagnant for White Oak than Red Oak. Exports are ongoing, but markets are not very energized. None of the green White Oak listings change, and only the 4/4 #2A listings decline on the kiln dried side. Kiln dried #1C&Btr White Oak is now a lot easier to move than it has been in previous months, but demand is hardly breaking down doors.

POPLAR

Increased demand by Southern secondary manufacturers is driving price movement for green Poplar. Reported prices drive increases to the listings for #1C, #2A, and #2B in 4/4 through 8/4. Kiln dried Poplar is showing less price movement. The only changes are bumps to the listings for 5/4 #2A and drops for 4/4 #1C.