FEA’s Weekly Order Survey – Dealers Outlook Remains Up Tempo

Dealers responding to this week’s Builder Activity Survey, noted that the uptick in June housing starts and permits, existing home sales, along with continuing record low mortgage interest rates and a drop in overall unemployment have all contributed to their upbeat outlook for their sales in the months ahead. High temperatures and humidity levels are starting to negatively impact jobsite productivity. However, builders have been working around this issue for years. The growing spike in COVID-19 cases is definitely giving them all cause for concern. Producers are continuing to report that they are being overwhelmed by current pro dealer, 2-step distributor and large box store demand. As a result, prices pushed double-digits higher again this week and mills are quoting production (not necessarily shipment) for mid to late August on most lumber and panel items. Production and transportations issues continue to abound and shipments from pressure treaters and mills are currently running 3 -7 weeks late.