US softwood lumber industry faces disruptions amid strikes and Hurricane Helene

Posted on October 8, 2024   |  

The aftermath of Hurricane Helene and a longshoremen strike affecting 36 ports from Maine to Texas created uncertainty in the softwood lumber market.

Prices for European Spruce rose sharply after dockworkers began their strike on October 1.

Sales of European lumber imports were limited, but concerns about supply shortages due to the strike strengthened prices for Western spruce, pine, and fir.

The Coast dry framing lumber market remained active, with varying sales volumes and prices.

Demand for 2×6 lumber stayed strong, while prices for 2×12 lumber continued to climb.

Prices for green Fir dropped, with 2×4 and 2×8 lumber falling by $25 to $30.

In the Inland region, rising prices for 2×12 lumber in other species led to a significant increase in that size, gaining up to $30.