The price of lumber in the United States fluctuated widely over the last five years, from a low of 240 dollars per 1,000 board feet in January 2016 to a peak of over 1,500 dollars in April 2021. This overall increase has not been linear though, with, for example, lumber prices falling by around 50 percent between June and September 2018, and again between August and October 2020. The value fell again by around 75 percent between May and August 2021. As of the end of December 2024, the price of lumber stood at 550.5 U.S. dollars per thousand board feet. Which nations are at the forefront of lumber production? The production of lumber is dependent on the availability of forest resources, market demand, and technological advances. Sustainable forest management practices a continuous supply of timber, while economic factors and construction activity drive demand. Among the countries countries with the largest production of lumber were China and the United States. Other countries with a relatively high lumber production rate were Russia, China, and Brazil.

Lumber fell to 599.02 USD/1000 board feet on July 11, 2025, down 1.89% from the previous day. Over the past month, Lumber's price has fallen 2.99%, but it is still 37.54% higher than a year ago, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks the benchmark market for this commodity. Lumber - values, historical data, forecasts and news - updated on July of 2025.

Non-seasonal prices paid for softwood lumber in the United States have remained relatively stable since 2023, after reaching a peak in March 2022. While the price of softwood lumber in May 2021 was valued at over 581 index points, that figure dropped to 274 in September of that year. The price of softwood veneer and plywood in the United States has also followed a similar trend.

Graph and download economic data for Index of Wholesale Prices of Lumber for United States (M0464BUSM349NNBR) from Jan 1947 to Feb 1954 about wood, wholesale, price index, indexes, price, and USA.

The price of lumber has seen both an overall increase, and large amounts of volatility since 2019. From its low in early April 2020 to its peak in May 2021, the price per 1,000 board feet of lumber increased almost sevenfold, reaching ***** U.S. dollars. Yet, after reaching this peak the price then fell to below *** U.S. dollars per 1,000 board feet in August 2021 before rising again to reach over 1,000 U.S. dollars in the beginning of 2022. Since then, the price per 1,000 board feet of lumber decreased overall, reaching *** U.S. dollars as of January 29, 2025.

Explore the dynamic landscape of lumber prices in the U.S., affected by factors like supply chain disruptions, the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical tensions, and economic trends. Discover how housing market fluctuations, tariffs, and environmental events such as wildfires impact this volatile market, and gain insights into the prospects for price stabilization as of late 2023.

The annual price growth rate of hardwood lumber in the United States fluctuated significantly between 1970 and 2024. During that time, the highest increase was observed in 2021 when hardwood lumber prices increased by **** percent. The producer prices for hardwood lumber fell by ** percent in 1975.

As of June 20 2025, 2x4 western spruce-pine-fir (kiln dried) Utility #3 was the lowest priced type of lumber in North America, at *** U.S. dollars per 1,000 board feet. Meanwhile, 2x4 eastern spruce-pine-fir stood at *** Canadian dollars per 1,000 board feet.

Throughout the timeline, hard sawn wood has had higher prices than any other type of timber. In 2024, its price amounted to ****** U.S. dollars per cubic meter, which is twice higher than that of hard timber logs. During that period, soft logs were the cheapest type of timber at approximately ****** U.S. dollars per cubic meter. Meanwhile, lumber prices in the U.S. fluctuated a lot between 2020 and 2022.

United States - Producer Price Index by Commodity: Lumber and Wood Products: Lumber was 277.36400 Index 1982=100 in March of 2025, according to the United States Federal Reserve. Historically, United States - Producer Price Index by Commodity: Lumber and Wood Products: Lumber reached a record high of 462.00000 in May of 2021 and a record low of 4.50000 in August of 1932. Trading Economics provides the current actual value, an historical data chart and related indicators for United States - Producer Price Index by Commodity: Lumber and Wood Products: Lumber - last updated from the United States Federal Reserve on July of 2025.

Lumber wholesalers distribute a wide range of lumber, plywood, millwork and wood panel products to contractors, home improvement stores, hardware stores and other miscellaneous buyers, like government agencies, businesses for end use, consumers and farms. The industry has faced severe volatility through most of the current period as a result of the pandemic, massive supply chain disruptions and surging interest rates. In particular, higher rates offset growth realized at the start of the pandemic from torrid housing starts and home improvement markets, leading to five-year declines in the industry. Overall, revenue has faltered at an expected CAGR of 1.1% to $150.7 billion through the current period, despite a 1.3% jump in 2025, where profit reached 4.3%. Supply chain disruptions have also had an outsized impact on the industry's performance. In particular, major lumber shortages caused prices to skyrocket more than 36.0% in 2021. Wholesalers faced shrinking inventories and heightened demand from housing markets, with demand overwhelming availability. Companies were able to heavily raise prices, reaping 14.0% growth in the year. As prices ebbed and construction markets cooled, revenue dropped significantly, erasing gains from the start of the current period. In general, the cyclical nature of construction markets contributes to major boom-or-bust cycles. Lumber wholesalers will continue to contend with uncertainty through the outlook period. While interest rate cuts in 2024 and 2025 point toward healthier construction markets in the near future, tariffs may likely create economic uncertainty. Additionally, trade policies may introduce new supply chain complexities, raising lumber prices and potentially encouraging contractors to adopt alternative materials in home building. Additionally, companies will start to prioritize cost-saving technology and systems, like robotics and inventory management systems, improving connectivity with buyers and suppliers while reducing labor reliance. Wholesalers will also need to effectively manage inventories, ensuring products meet sustainability standards to attract and retain buyers. Overall, revenue will rebound at an expected CAGR of 2.0% to $166.7 billion through the outlook period, where profit will reach 4.4%.

Graph and download economic data for Producer Price Index by Commodity: Lumber and Wood Products: Lumber (WPS081) from Jan 1967 to May 2025 about wood, commodities, PPI, inflation, price index, indexes, price, and USA.

United States - Import Price Index (End Use): Lumber was 104.80000 Index 2000=100 in April of 2025, according to the United States Federal Reserve. Historically, United States - Import Price Index (End Use): Lumber reached a record high of 584.10000 in June of 2021 and a record low of 50.80000 in March of 1982. Trading Economics provides the current actual value, an historical data chart and related indicators for United States - Import Price Index (End Use): Lumber - last updated from the United States Federal Reserve on June of 2025.

Series Is Presented Here As Two Variables-- (1)--Original Data, 1913-1951 (2)--Original Data,1947-1954. See 1931 Bls Bulletin For Revisions From 1926-1931. Beginning In 1935, Revised Indexes Are Based Upon A Larger Sample Of Lumber Prices And An Improved Method Of Weighting Is Used. The Price Data Were Not Available For An Adequate Number Of Types Of Lumber To Make It Feasible To Compute Revised Indexes Prior To January, 1935. However, A Continuous Index (1926=100) Has Been Constructed Using The Revised Index For January, 1935 At The Same Level As The Series Which It Replaces. In October, 1940, The Bls Lumber Index Was Revised Back To January, 1935. Figures For November And December, 1942, Were Shown In Monthly Wholesale Prices (Mimeographed) For April, 1944; Not Published Elsewhere. Figures For September-December, 1943 Were Shown In Monthly Wholesale Prices (Mimeographed) For June 1945; Not Published Elsewhere. After December, 1951, Index On 1926 Base Was Discontinued. Source: Bls Bulletin Of 1930 And Following Issues Of "Wholesale Prices" Through 1941; Bls Bulletin Nos. 736, 759, 785, 870, 877, 920, 947, 973, 1007, And 1083 Through 1950; Monthly Labor Review, 1952 Issues For 1951.

This NBER data series m04164a appears on the NBER website in Chapter 4 at http://www.nber.org/databases/macrohistory/contents/chapter04.html.

NBER Indicator: m04164a

The price of millwork in the United States continued its growth-trend in 2021, peaking at nearly 319. In contras, the previous year that index value was at over 274. This value of index was set at 100 in 1982. In contrast, the price of softwood lumber in the United States has fluctuated much more in the past years.

United States - Producer Price Index by Commodity: Lumber and Wood Products: Softwood Lumber, Made from Purchased Lumber was 270.48400 Index Dec 2003=100 in May of 2025, according to the United States Federal Reserve. Historically, United States - Producer Price Index by Commodity: Lumber and Wood Products: Softwood Lumber, Made from Purchased Lumber reached a record high of 334.29300 in March of 2022 and a record low of 100.00000 in December of 2003. Trading Economics provides the current actual value, an historical data chart and related indicators for United States - Producer Price Index by Commodity: Lumber and Wood Products: Softwood Lumber, Made from Purchased Lumber - last updated from the United States Federal Reserve on June of 2025.

The lumber industry has experienced significant volatility in recent years, with fluctuating prices impacting both the market and wider economy. During the pandemic, a housing boom driven by low interest rates and increased disposable income led to a surge in demand for lumber, significantly boosting mill revenues. However, prices later tumbled, affecting revenue as higher interest rates cooled the housing market and reduced demand for construction. Lumber production and shipments experienced declines, and the industry faced operating losses due to decreased demand. Looking ahead, prices are expected to rise due to tariffs on Canadian lumber imports and previous supply shortages, although high mortgage rates may still dampen demand. The ongoing trade dispute between Canada and the U.S. has resulted in increased tariffs, impacting Canadian producers who supply softwood lumber to the US market. Industry revenue is expected to rise at a CAGR of 2.6% to $51.6 billion through the end of 2025, with 2.0% growth forecast for the current year. Industry profit is expected to recover alongside rising lumber prices this year as well. The US housing market plays a crucial role in the lumber industry by driving demand for wooden materials used in construction and renovation. Despite past challenges with high interest rates and elevated home prices hurting residential investments and reducing lumber demand, there is optimism that the recent Federal Reserve rate will eventually translate to lower mortgage rates, potentially rejuvenating the housing market and building material demand. Even with these promising signs, a significant affordability barrier remains as home prices continue to overshadow median incomes, discouraging many first-time buyers and thus impeding growth in the housing market, impacting lumber demand negatively. The industry is also dealing with profitability challenges due to high costs and declining lumber prices, which have led to sawmill closures and under-utilization of capacities, emphasizing the importance of operational efficiency. As a response, the industry is likely to see consolidation within domestic mill operations to maintain profitability amid market fluctuations. A notable development in the sector is the growth of the cross-laminated timber (CLT) specialist subsector, which promises a boom, supported by innovations in fire retardant technology and approvals for new timber certifications, like eastern hemlock trees, broadening opportunities for sustainable construction. Revenue is expected to increase at a CAGR of 1.6% to $55.9 billion through the end of 2030.

This statistic shows the price index for selected timber products in the United States from 2006 to 2019. In 2019, the price index in the United States for lumber amounted to 140.8.

United States PPI: Mfg: WP: OW: MW: CS: PP: Hardwood Lumber data was reported at 105.800 Dec2003=100 in Jan 2020. This stayed constant from the previous number of 105.800 Dec2003=100 for Dec 2019. United States PPI: Mfg: WP: OW: MW: CS: PP: Hardwood Lumber data is updated monthly, averaging 94.750 Dec2003=100 from Dec 2003 (Median) to Jan 2020, with 194 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 113.100 Dec2003=100 in Jul 2018 and a record low of 81.400 Dec2003=100 in Jul 2009. United States PPI: Mfg: WP: OW: MW: CS: PP: Hardwood Lumber data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United States – Table US.I087: Producer Price Index: by Industry: Manufacturing: Wood, Paper and Printing Activities.

United States - Export Price Index (End Use): Logs and Lumber was 115.90000 Index 2000=100 in May of 2025, according to the United States Federal Reserve. Historically, United States - Export Price Index (End Use): Logs and Lumber reached a record high of 137.70000 in March of 2022 and a record low of 79.50000 in January of 2020. Trading Economics provides the current actual value, an historical data chart and related indicators for United States - Export Price Index (End Use): Logs and Lumber - last updated from the United States Federal Reserve on July of 2025.