In the USA, the downward trend in softwood-lumber prices which started at the end of March 2013 continued undiminished last week. The Framing Lumber Composite Price (FLCP) determined by Random Lengths showed week-on-week decline of a further US$13 to US$361/1,000 bdft, while the price of KD Western S-P-F #2&Btr 2x4 R/L lost US$12 and was last quoted at US$320/1,000 bdft, or roughly US$135.6/m3. Since the last high point reached at the end of March, the FLCP has therefore fallen by roughly US$90 and the price for S-P-F 2x4 has decreased by US$88/1,000 bdft. In comparison to the values of last year, the two leading prices are now only higher by 5% and 4% respectively. The causes of the price drops in the last eight weeks are specified not only as weather-driven hindrances to building activity but also increasing uncertainty on the part of the trade. Many dealers apparently fear a similarly dramatic fall in prices to that seen in April/May 2010 and are therefore holding back on additional buying.
