FEA’s Weekly Order Survey – Dealers Remain Optimistic About Near-Term and Future Sales

Dealers responding to this week’s Weekly Order Survey, continue to report that they remain very optimistic about both their near-term and future sales. Although a spike in COVID-19 cases, in many of their areas, has them concerned. Respondents are reporting another week of steady to strong sales and deliveries to their contractor customers’ job sites. While working hours may be adjusted to help accommodate for the ongoing soaring temperatures and high humidity levels, builders and their subcontractors continue to push forward on project completions and new starts. Mills are continuing to see a huge surge in demand. Resulting in another week of double-digit price increases and production schedules that have pushed well into mid to late August on many key items. Late shipments from mills and pressure treaters, due to ongoing production and transportation issues have clearly raised dealer’s anxiety levels. Unfortunately, their usual reliable sources for fill ins, are also reporting they too are short of many key items. A few delays to contractor customers and DIY’ers have been reported as a result of the tightness in supply.