N. American lumber prices rally as market concerned by supply issues

While supply chain disruptions arising from wildfires were not the primary driver behind June's bullish sentiment for softwood, the psychological impact of uncertainty lingers as crews battle July fires in the forests. Lumber prices have jumped in the past month, as wildfires in Canada raise concerns about supply disruptions while healthy U.S. housing starts boost the demand side. Cash prices – what sawmills charge wholesalers – have climbed 22 per cent since June 1. They settled last week at US$420 for 1,000 board feet of two-by-fours made from Western spruce, pine and fir (SPF ...