October 19, 2022: Western Market Activity Spikes; Costs Slowly Rising

Justin Binning and Ken Timmins with American International Forest Products (AIFP) provide a snapshot of the current lumber market. A lumber strike, combined with relatively low cost levels, is causing western lumber buyers to drive heavy market activity to cover their traditional sourcing and procure inventories through the end of the year. Southern pine continues to stay stable, while MSR remains difficult to source reliably. Both guests advise buyers to not let cost levels slightly above average keep them from being active in the market as this will likely be the near-term trend. Justin has been with AIFP since 2010 with a focus in Southern Yellow Pine and Ken has been with AIFP since 2017, specializing in Fir species. Both specialize in high grade lumber for the component manufacturing industry.