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Southern Timber Prices Plummeted in 2Q2022

Southern Timber Prices Plummeted in 2Q2022

After hitting a 15-year peak in 1Q2022, the weighted average price for southern timber turned sharply lower in 2Q as prices for every product dropped during this period. While stumpage prices were up +7% year-over-year (YoY), they were down -13% quarter-over-quarter (QoQ) in 2Q. Southern timber prices have demonstrated significant volatility since 2017; however, prices for all products have trended upwards over the last ten years.

 
stumpage_sep_2022_1
 
Pulpwood

Both hardwood (HPW) and pine pulpwood (PPW) pricing began collapsing in 1Q2022 and the trend continued in 2Q. Southwide prices for PPW plummeted -17% QoQ, which reflected the steep decrease witnessed in two of three regions for this product. Prices in the East-South were down -14%, prices in the Mid-South dropped -22%, but prices in the West-South jumped +19%.

Demonstrating even more volatility, Southwide prices for HPW were down -5% QoQ, also plummeting in two of the three regions. Prices in the East-South were up +11% percent, but prices in the Mid-South and the West-South were down -32%. In the chart below, notice the 2Q price parity between PPW and HPW, which is tighter than it has been in several years.

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Sawtimber & Chip-n-Saw

Prices for pine logs in 2Q2022 plummeted on a Southwide basis. Pine chip-n-saw (CNS) prices were down -16% QoQ, experiencing abrupt decreases in two of three regions. Prices in the East-South plunged -23% and prices in the Mid-South were down -15%, but prices in the West-South edged up +5% QoQ.

Southwide pine sawtimber (PST) prices also demonstrated a double-digit decrease by dropping -10% QoQ as prices for this product were also down in two of the three regions. Prices in the East-South were flat (+0.2%), but prices in the Mid-South were down -15% and prices in the West-South dropped -6%.

After experiencing a significant uptick in 1Q, Southwide hardwood sawtimber (HST) prices in 2Q were down -8% QoQ as prices plunged in all three regions. Prices in the East-South were down -7%, prices in the Mid-South were off -1%, and prices in the West-South dropped -13%.

 stumpage_sep_2022_3

 

Outlook

Total precipitation across the South was nearly 2” below the 5-year average in 2Q, which provided some relief for harvesting operations working on tracts that were purchased during the end of 2021 – a particularly wet period. However, precipitation levels have increased (along with some significant flooding) in a few areas over the last several weeks, especially in the West-South region.

Finished lumber prices have come way down from the $1,000/MBF mark where they remained for most of 1Q2022 primarily due to strong demand, trucking and transportation bottlenecks, and pinched trade flows from Canada. Per Forest2Market’s southern yellow pine (SYP) lumber price composite, prices are now down nearly 50% from the high achieved in March as inflationary pressures, rising interest rates and economic concerns are causing trepidation in the new-construction sector.

 

Timber Owner Market Guide

While the southern timber market has been oversupplied for a decade, stumpage markets are growing increasingly volatile on a QoQ basis. Your timberland may be one of the most valuable investments you own and if your goal is to protect this important asset, Forest2Market’s Timber Owner Market Guide can help you:

  • Track the value of your timber over the long term
  • Read about best practices in managing timberland for incremental income, long-term investment purposes, forest health and recreation
  • Stay up to date with the latest news affecting demand for timber in your local area
  • Determine the value of your timber for tax and/or insurance purposes

The Timber Owner Market Guide is published bi-monthly (6 issues per year) and provides local pricing and trend information for pine sawtimber, chip-and-saw and pulpwood, as well as hardwood sawtimber and pulpwood in 39 unique micromarkets. Our easy-to-read guide provides detailed price charts, helpful tips and industry updates—all of the information you need to manage and sell your timber, preserve your legacy and protect your investment.