Hurricane Charley and forest fires in British Columbia have helped to push up prices for softwood in North America, according to an industry analyst.
Prices for softwood and panels had already been high because of a strong US housing market. But a combination of the hurricane, which devastated parts of Florida, and forest fires are pushing the prices to a five-year high.
Standard 2×4 lumber now costs about US$465 per 1,000 board feet, which is just under the 1999 record.
Damage caused by the hurricane is expected to lead to widespread rebuilding work.
