Lumber Trades Near One-Month High

Lumber futures held around $535 per thousand board feet, remaining near their highest level in over a month, as US-Canada trade tensions persisted. The US Department of Commerce lowered antidumping and countervailing duties on Canadian softwood lumber to 24.75% from 35.16%, raising hopes for a demand recovery. However, a separate 10% US tariff brings total duties to 34.75% and keeps supply availability low. The US Lumber Coalition backed the decision, as US forestry groups have long accused Canada of distorting the market, arguing that the largely public owned Canadian forestland gives domestic producers a cost advantage. Prolongued exposure to high tariffs continues to pressure Canadian lumber output, having declined 8.6% in July 2026 from the month prior. However, gains remain tempered by weakness in the US housing market. Mortgage rates have climbed to 7.4%, their highest in nearly three years, raising borrowing costs for homebuyers and weighing on housing demand.

Lumber futures rose to $540 per thousand board feet, their highest level in nearly a month, as Hurricane Isaias threatened supplies across key producing regions. The storm swept through the US Gulf Coast, causing major power outages in Alabama and Mississippi, both significant lumber-producing states, raising concerns over supply disruptions and pressuring prices. Lumber supplies were already constrained by escalating trade tensions between the US and Canada. Ottawa had announced counter-tariffs of 25% on US lumber and 50% on plywood in response to US tariffs on several lumber-related products. US forestry groups have long accused Canada of distorting the market, arguing that the largely public owned Canadian forestland gives domestic producers a cost advantage. However, gains remain tempered by weakness in the US housing market. Mortgage rates have climbed to 7.4%, their highest in nearly three years, raising borrowing costs for homebuyers and weighing on housing demand.

Lumber decreased to 523.50 USD/1000 board feet, the lowest since September 2025. Over the past 4 weeks, Lumber lost 8.31%, and in the last 12 months, it decreased 14.94%.