SPF lumber trading was sluggish, leading to lower prices. Lumber futures continued to push lower, and word of a significant overseas sale could not prod buyers off the sidelines.

SPF lumber prices continued to drop, in many instances by double digits, as producers across Canada tried to find price levels that would draw more interest from buyers.

Sales activity at SPF mills was slow, as buyers often turned to secondaries to purchase needs. Seeing potential for another buying opportunity, wholesalers sold off their positions at a variety of price levels.

Trading in the SPF lumber market was lackluster until Thursday. That is when futures made an up-limit move, sending buyers into the market to either purchase or determine where the market was going.

SPF mills sold steady volumes and nudged prices a few dollars higher, as buyers purchased significant volumes for shipment in the first week of April.

Mill sales in the SPF lumber market were slow for most of the week, in part due to secondaries selling at considerably lower price levels.

SPF trading was moderate and steady, which led to higher prices for the second consecutive week. Volumes sold were not near those sold the week prior.

SPF producers searched more earnestly for a price floor early and began to draw more interest Thursday morning, after buyers heard of a significant order placed by China.

Slow trading in the SPF lumber market kept mill order files from moving more fully into the first days of February. With availability more plentiful for some items, including 2x4 #2&Btr, in the week of Jan. 21, traders began to wonder who would blink first -- buyers or mills.