Southern Comments

ASH

Ash timber is more accessible now than earlier this year, at least in parts of the Southern region. However, total mill output is low. Demand for #1C&Btr is better than for #2A, and price movement differs accordingly. Information holds the green #1C&Btr figures in check but reduces the 4/4 and 5/4 #2A listings. Kiln dried sales are keeping inventories thin for most grades and thicknesses, with 4/4 Fas supplies tightest. Data push up the 4/4 Fas listings and low sides of the ranges.

BEECH

PECAN & HICKORY

SAP GUM

SOFT MAPLE

Markets for WHAD Soft Maple are solid, while interest in WHND is low. In fact, some suppliers are struggling to move total WHND production. Reported prices for WHND Soft Maple have trended down, but past decreases have the #2B&Btr listings in check. Likewise, no changes are required to the WHAD #2A&Btr figures.

#2A&3A OAK

Demand for #2A&3A Oak changed little this week, although it has contracted over time. However, sawmill production remains low, providing a close balance between developing supplies and buyers’ needs. Reported prices are stable and hold the #2A&3A Red and White Oak listings in check.

RED OAK

Sales contacts indicate domestic and export demand for Red Oak has gained some momentum the past few weeks. At the same time, sawmill output has been low for an extended period of time, keeping inventories thin for many grades and thicknesses. Reported prices are firming, but only the kiln dried 5/4 Fas listings and bottom end range figures advance in this issue. Despite somewhat higher interest in kiln dried Red Oak, green markets are not particularly strong. In fact, some end users are pushing back on green pricing. But most activity is centered on the #3A&Btr listings.

WHITE OAK

Sawmill production of White Oak is low, and mills that sell their lumber green are shipping total output. Reported prices are firm and hold the #3A&Btr listings in check. Kiln dried inventories are thin, especially for #1C&Btr; demand for these grades is good. Transactions point out sufficiently higher pricing to raise the 4/4 and 5/4 #1C&Btr listings and noted range figures.

POPLAR

Demand for kiln dried Poplar has gained strength the past few weeks amid low inventories for many grades and thicknesses. Reported prices are higher for 6/4 Fas, 4/4 #1C, and 4/4 #2A, lifting the listings and ranges, as well as the bottom sides of the 4/4 Fas ranges. Green Poplar sales are holding up well, too. Information keeps the #2B&Btr listings in check.