Industry News
Markets
News
Transportation issues dominated the lumber market in mid-October
October 22, 2026
By Keta Kosman, publisher, Madison’s Lumber Reporter
Most of the Western North American lumber market again show vulnerability, while Eastern prices climbed and OSB remained strong. Sky-high fuel prices weighed heavily on every transaction.
In the week ending October 9, 2026, the price of benchmark softwood lumber item Western Spruce-Pine-Fir 2×4 #2&Btr KD (RL) was US$454 mfbm. This was down -$10, or -2%, from the previous week when it was $464, said weekly forest products industry price guide newsletter Madison’s Lumber Reporter.
That week’s price was down -$18, or -4%, from one month ago when it was $472.
Compared to the same week last year, when it was US$442 mfbm, that week’s price was up +$12, or +3%. Compared to two years ago when it was $388, that week’s price was up +$66, or +17%.
 
In the week ending October 9, 2026, the price of Southern Yellow Pine East Side 2×4 #2&Btr KD (RL) was US$481 mfbm. This was down -$14, or -3%, from the previous week when it was $495.
That week’s price was down -$10, or -2%, from one month ago when it was $491.
Compared to the same week last year, when it was $360, that week’s price was up +$121, or +34%. Compared to two years ago when it was $432, that week’s price was up +$49, or +11%.