Different Makes a Difference

It has been quite a year for lumber and other wood products. Prices soared due to unexpected demand from home construction and very lean supply chains. In the early days of the pandemic, producers went into survival mode, cutting back capacity and liquidating inventory. This set the stage for record high prices early in 2021. Anyone looking to buy lumber or a sheet of plywood at Home Depot has no doubt experienced severe sticker shock. But the headlines now are highlighting an epic collapse. We think some perspective is needed.