The spread between green and dry has steadily eroded during the summer from a premium of US$100 to about US$30 as the cost of shipping allows traders to deliver the lighter dry fir at a lower cost than green.
Popularity for KD has failed to push up prices because more mills have added kilns to meet demand.
“Green fir is becoming more and more a speciality item. Potential mould issues, big-box demand for KD products, competition with Canada and shelf life questions are pushing more and more production into KD,” a mill spokesperson said.
