North American softwood lumber markets in the fourth quarter of 2009 displayed some surprising and atypical strength for the time of the year. Late-2009 was marked by a significant rally in softwood lumber prices across most grades and dimensions. Following on significant price weakness in September and early October, prices reversed direction and climbed through early December. Subsequently prices for several key items, but not for all products, softened again a little towards the end of December, but remained still well above October-levels.