South Central markets contrast: Dry and full Westside, Eastside wet and somewhat short on hardwood

摘要

South Central pulpwood markets moved through the first quarter with only modest volatility reported into early March. Pine roundwood was broadly full and calm region-wide in the quarter, with prices ranging fairly narrowly, $29-33/ton delivered. Where small changes occurred, they were limited to $0.50-1.00/ton up or down over the period (WBM, Dec, p.1). Hardwood roundwood was a different story, with prices ranging considerably, region-wide. East-side traded from lows of $33/ton delivered in the northern half to highs of $44/ton in the wetter south, notably Alabama. There, always-competitive hardwood roundwood gained $2-3/ton in the first quarter for major buyers (some with expanded consumption).