What Are You Seeing in the Lumber Market?

Several component manufacturer members across the country have reached out to SBCA in recent days expressing concern over both significant volatility in North American lumber markets and availability of certain grades and species.

Please take this survey to provide SBCA feedback on what you are seeing in your market today, and what you believe are the root causes behind current market behavior. These questions and answers do not represent the views or opinions of SBCA, but rather reflect the terminology and opinions of individuals who currently purchase lumber in our industry. SBCA appreciates your input and will share the insights the collective data from this survey provide.

Question Title

* 1. With regard to lumber supply in your market, which of the following concerns you most today?

Availability

Price

Contracts

Finished goods delivered at a loss

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 2. How many weeks’ supply of lumber do you currently have on the ground?

Less than a week

1-2 weeks

3-4 weeks

5-6 weeks

7-8 weeks

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 3. How difficult or easy is it to find lumber to purchase?

Extremely difficult

Somewhat difficult

Neutral/normal availability

Somewhat easy

Extremely easy

Extremely difficult

Somewhat difficult

Neutral/normal availability

Somewhat easy

Extremely easy

Question Title

* 4. How concerned are you about not being able to source lumber in 45-60 days?

Extremely concerned

Somewhat concerned

Neutral

Somewhat unconcerned

Extremely unconcerned

Extremely concerned

Somewhat concerned

Neutral

Somewhat unconcerned

Extremely unconcerned

Question Title

* 5. How have current lumber cost levels impacted your business? (Select all that apply)

I’ve had to cancel long term contracts

I’ve had to cancel short term contracts

I’ve had to adjust terms for long term contracts

I’ve had to adjust terms for short term contracts

I’ve been forced to supply per contract at reduced profitability/loss

I’ve taken steps to increase working capital

I’ve not been able to replace inventory

I’ve increased credit lines

I’ve increased utilization of credit lines

I’ve had to lengthen days payable/stretch accounts payable

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 6. What do you feel are the primary root causes for lumber cost variability in the market today? (select all that apply)

Lumber mill shut downs due to COVID-related concerns in March

Uncertainty regarding the effect of the construction industry being deemed “essential”

DIY lumber sales due to COVID

Lack of supply

Mills slow to return since curtailments in March

Robust demand

Stock piling/hording of material

Market manipulation/price gouging

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 7. How do you believe the lumber markets will behave in the next 30-45 days?

Pricing will increase

Pricing will stabilize

Pricing will decrease

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 8. How do you believe lumber availability will change in the next 30-45 days?

Availability will become more difficult

Availability is currently difficult and will remain the same

Availability is currently easy and will remain the same

Availability will become easier

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 9. Other thoughts/feedback on actions you are taking to protect your business’ best interests with regard to lumber cost variability and availability:

Question Title

* 10. What recommendations do you have to address the commodity lumber supply chain in order to reduce CM’s exposure to the risks of significant cost variability?

Question Title

* 11. Can we follow up on any of the answers you provided to the questions above?

Name:

Company:

Email: