US framing lumber traders reported brisk business as 2004 began, according to industry newsletter Random Lengths.
The first full week of business saw strong sales and price gains for many species, with order books stretching into late January.
Trade in Canadian spruce-pine-fir was upbeat, setting the pace for other species, with narrow products particularly popular – 2×6 was notably stronger in several species. In the stud market, 9ft trims sold quicker than 8ft.
Weather is expected to play an important role in sustaining the surge, while some traders believe a weakening in the dollar will give domestic products an edge against imports, something they have not experienced for years.
