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SCA inaugurates its new giant pulp mill in Sweden

Sweden's King Carl XVI Gustaf inaugurated SCA’s pulp mill Östrand in Timrå. The expansion of the mill is one of Sweden’s largest industrial investments ever.

SCA has invested SEK 8 billion ($889 million) in expanding the mill and to double its capacity to 900,000 tonnes of bleached softwood kraft pulp, making Östrand the largest mill of its kind in the world. The investment enables SCA to be world class in terms of product quality and environmental performance.

“A lot of Sweden’s prosperity has been built by forests and the forest industry’s products”, said the Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf at the inauguration. “But the forest has not only shaoped Sweden’s history. It also provides the raw material of our future in the shape of green electricity and biofuels.”

The two biggest suppliers to the project have been Valmet who supplied the fibre line with a number of components, including the world’s largest softwood pulp digester, and Andritz who, among other projects, undertook a unique expansion of the recovery boiler. The project has been partly financed by the European Investment Bank.

New additive protects wood-based materials from fire

Together with BRUAG Fire Protection AG, the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa) specialists have developed a new flame retardant for wood and wood-based materials. The colourless additive, which can be easily mixed with coatings and cellulose materials, opens up new applications for wood processing companies.

Fire protection requirements are increasing worldwide - especially in public buildings and vehicle construction. This development means that more and more otherwise suitable materials such as wood can no longer be used in many buildings or means of transport and must be substituted by other products. The aim of the CTI funded research project was therefore to develop a flame retardant that increases the fire resistance of such materials without impairing the positive properties of the materials.

Colourless, non-toxic additive

The new flame retardant called AFA (Anti-Flame-Additive) meets these requirements: It is colorless and can be mixed with water-based paints or UV protective coatings and can be used not only as a coating but also as an additive in wood-based panels. In addition, it is free of bromine and boron and contains no halogenated organic compounds. It produces no toxic vapors and develops its flame-retardant effect at concentrations as low as ten percent.

AFA is based on the substance EDA-bis-TEPT developed by Empa, a flame retardant from the class of organophosphonates. It combines phosphorus and nitrogen moieties in a single molecule, which has flame-retardant effects on cellulose. The newly developed additive has already demonstrated its effectiveness in internal tests and has been protected by a patent application since 2018. Application tests are currently being carried out, for example the addition of AFA to various commercially available building materials and paint systems is being tested.

Approval procedure underway

Initial tests with major wood-based panel manufacturers have been very positive. The same applies to the world's third largest manufacturer of HPL (High Pressure Laminates). After the AFA has been introduced into the cellulose during production, flaming of the material is reliably prevented. In a further step, AFA will undergo the fire protection and approval tests required for approval.

Empa's research partner in this project is Bruag Fire Protection AG, a sister company of Bruag AG based in Güttingen, TG. As a producer of smooth and perforated weather-resistant facade panels and balcony balustrades as well as decorative elements such as room dividers, stair railings or acoustic solutions for interiors, which are mainly based on wood-based materials. The internationally active Bruag AG is directly affected by stricter fire protection guidelines.

About EMPA

The Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa, German acronym for Eidgenössische Materialprüfungs- und Forschungsanstalt) is an interdisciplinary Swiss research institute for applied materials sciences and technology. As part of the Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology Domain, it is an institution of the Swiss federation. For most of the period since its foundation in 1880, it concentrated on classical materials testing. Since the late 1980s it has developed into a modern research and development institute.

Record year for Western Forest Products, despite paying $43 million in softwood lumber duties

Despite paying up more than $43 million in softwood lumber duties, Western Forest Products managed to realize a profit of nearly $70 million in 2018. According to financial statements, the company managed to deal with several issues in 2018, and set a record in terms of revenue to realize a net profit of $69.2 million, down from the $74 million in 2017.

Last year, as a result of strong prices for its specialty products (the company’s average lumber price was up six per cent compared to 2017), Western realized a record $1.197 billion in revenue, up from the $1.14 billion recorded in 2017.

Chief executive Don Demens said the company’s refined marketing strategy led to higher prices for its lumber products, which helped overcome “the impacts of operating headwinds in 2018 that included a difficult coastal fire season, U.S. export duties, higher stumpage, and volatile commodity markets.”

“We’ve made significant progress in advancing our strategy over the last year, from upgrading our foundational systems, to a mutually beneficial partnership with Huu-ay-aht First Nations, and the acquisition of two U.S assets,” Demens said.

Over the last year Western bought Columbia Vista’s mill in Vancouver, Washington, for $30.5 million and paid $9 million for Hampton Lumber Mills' processing and distribution centre in Arlington, Washington.

The Columbia Vista mill lets Western expand its Douglas fir specialty product offerings mainly for the Japanese market. The Hampton mill is focused on the U.S. The advantage to having U.S. production facilities is the lumber produced there is not subject to softwood lumber duties if sold in the U.S. market.

That could play well for the company down the line after a 2018 that saw it spend $43 million in countervailing and anti-dumping export duties.

“We believe the U.S. softwood lumber duties are unwarranted. However, we have not seen any movement to a negotiated settlement,” said Demens. “To protect our business, Western has submitted a NAFTA challenge contesting the U.S. government’s decision to treat cedar products the same as commodity lumber. Our goal is to have western red cedar exempt.”

Western has paid $65 million in tariffs since the duties were imposed. A ruling on the NAFTA challenge is not expected until late this year. Western has long argued it has been unfairly caught in the dispute as the duties paid are determined on the value of lumber exported and its U.S. shipments are predominantly high-value, appearance grade cedar and not the lower-priced spruce, pine and fir that is at the heart of the dispute between Canada and the U.S.

Demens said the cost of selling into the U.S. has not stopped Western from investing in operations. “We have offset some of the impacts of the duties by leveraging our recent mill capital investments, like our timber deck at the Chemainus sawmill, to increase the production of high-value products,” he said.

Lithuania: Sawlog prices more expensive at the beginning of the year

As compared to December 2018, all prices for roundwood in Lithuania have increased in Lithuania in the first month of 2019. The price increase varies by between EUR 2 and more than EUR 5,5/per cubic meter.
The highest rise was registered in spruce sawlogs price (EUR +6,67/cbm) and pine sawlogs, which are more expensive by EUR 5,50/cbm than the previous month.
Year-on-year, in January, almost all prices for roundwood in Lithuania are higher. Pine and spruce sawlogs are more expensive by 9,5% and 14%, meanwhile pine and spruce pulpwood prices have increased by more than 20%. Only alder sawlogs and birch pulpwood prices have declined as compared to the same month of 2013.

Roadside prices of roundwood in state forests of Lithuania EUR/m³ under bark

 January 2018 December 2018 January 2019 Change 
 Jan./2018
  to Jan./2019
SAWLOGS
Pine 60,82 61,11 66,61 9,51%
Spruce 63,14 65,45 72,12 14,2%
Birch 65,74 61,40 65,16 0,88%
Alder 54,16 49,81 51,26 -5,35%
Small-sized softwood 49,24 48,08 52,71 7,04%
PULPWOOD  
Pine 25,78 28,96 31,86 23,5%
Spruce 26,65 30,41 33,02 23,9%
Birch 32,44 27,51 29,83 -8,04%

New Zealand wood on a high demand as China shuns US exports; export prices near records

Forestry prices in New Zealand — one of the world’s largest timber exporters — are near record highs, thanks largely to strong Chinese demand for pine logs. A-grade logs for export were recently selling for $NZ140 ($134) a tonne, up around 14 per cent from September, according to market data provider AgriHQ.
In contrast, US futures contracts for lumber — or planks of timber — fell sharply in the second half of last year. Continue reading "New Zealand wood on a high demand as China shuns US exports; export prices near records"

Germany: Record wood pellets production in 2018

The energy turnaround in the heating market is still not progressing in Germany, as the only moderate increase in renewable energy in 2018 shows. Not even pellet furnaces (stoves and central heating systems) were not installed in the extent hoped for by the industry, reports the German Energy Wood and Pellet Association (DEPV) in its annual report. Sales of 33,000 pellet boilers only exceeded the previous year's result by just under 3 percent. Nonetheless, the energy source of wood pellets is experiencing increasing demand in Germany. With more than 2.4 million tons (t) in 2018, more wood pellets were produced in this country than ever before - and this on the basis of a broad, domestic supply of residual wood from the sawmills. 2.13 million tons of this were consumed in about 460,000 domestic pellet furnaces, and the surplus was exported. Continue reading "Germany: Record wood pellets production in 2018"

Södra achieves record-high result in 2018

Södra’s consolidated net sales for full-year 2018 rose 18 percent to SEK 24,230 million (2018: 20,518), attributable to a favourable global economy, high demand and higher prices for paper pulp and sawn timber products. Operating profit for the year totalled SEK 4,508 million (2018: 1,917). The operating margin was 19 percent (2018: 9). 

2018 was characterised by high and stable demand for Södra’s products, the company reported. Price levels for both market pulp and sawn timber products remained at a favourable level and contributed to the result.

“The 2018 result is the best in Södra’s history. We were able to meet the strong demand for our products due to extensive investments of approximately SEK 11 billion in our pulp mills and sawmills, and new innovations over the past four years. We also completed efficiency improvements and restructured our operations. Södra has thus strengthened its competitiveness,” says Lars Idermark, President and CEO.

Consolidated net sales for the fourth quarter rose 12 percent to SEK 6,062 million, with year-on-year operating profit of SEK 974 million (2018: 530). The operating margin improved to 16 percent (2018: 10).

“Growth in the fourth quarter was also strong, but uncertainty increased with some signs of a slowing global economy and turbulence in financial markets,” said Lars Idermark.

In the fourth quarter, Södra acquired Bergviks Skog’s forest holding in Latvia for EUR 324 million. The Board decided to invest SEK 100 million in research related to forest growth and productivity.

“Access to fibre is crucial for our industry and the strategic role of forests has increased. We are also seeing a growing demand for forest products as the bioeconomy evolves,” says Lars Idermark.

Quarter Full-year
2018 2017 2018 2017
Okt-Dec Okt-Dec % Jan-Dec Jan-Dec %
Net sales, SEK million 6,062 5,413 12 24,230 20,518 18
Operating profit before depreciation,
amortisation and impairment, SEK million
1,264 835 51 5,654 3,009 88
Operating profit, SEK million 974 530 84 4,508 1,917 135
Profit before tax, SEK million 935 503 86 4,431 1,830 142
Operating margin, % 16 10 19 9
Return on capital employed, % - - 24 12
Equity ratio, %* - - 59 56

*These key indicators are not calculated quarterly.

Stora Enso to implement a EUR 120 million cost-cutting programme as market uncertainty rises

Stora Enso is implementing a cost-cutting programme of Euro 120 million targeting reductions in variable and fixed costs, as market uncertainty increases. Stora Enso estimates that some effects will be visible already during 2019 with full impact by the end of 2020.

As part of the programme, Stora Enso is planning to close paper machine 6 at Imatra Mills in Finland and to start co-determination negotiations at the mill related to this plan. With annual production capacity of 90,000 tonnes, PM6 is a small machine that has reached its end-of-life.

The planned closure would result in a reduction of maximum 80 FTEs (full-time equivalents) and reorganisation of some tasks. The plan is to continue production until the maintenance break during 3Q or until the end of 2019, with an ability to deliver the committed volumes. The planned closure would cost approximately Euro 4 million related to asset write-off and costs of the co-determination process. The amount would be recorded as an item affecting comparability (IAC).

Stora Enso is also planning to take performance improvement measures at the Ala sawmill in Sweden and the Imavere sawmill in Estonia. The plan includes actions to increase productivity and reduce costs. The planned actions would result in a reduction of maximum 35 FTEs and required co-determination negotiations related to this plan have been initiated.

European softwood logs exports to China see a fivefold increase

The total European softwood logs deliveries to China have went significantly up during January-November 2018, due to a boost in exports from France and Poland.

According to the latest Eurostat figures, during the mentioned period, EU's softwood logs exports to China increased by 362%, to 2,710,686 million m3, from 586,290 m3, exported during January-November 2017.

Most of the logs came from France, whose exports to China reached 1,128,610 million m3, from 70,163 in January-November 2017 (1,509% y-o-y increase). Also, Poland and Germany increased their exports to 917,403 m3 and 162,098 m3, respectively.

EU softwood logs exported to China from... (in cbm )

Exporting Country Jan. - Nov. 2017 Jan. - Nov. 2018 Change in %
EUROPEAN UNION 586,290 2,710,686 362 %
France
70,163 1,128,610 1,509 %
Poland
27,590 917,403 3,225 %
Germany
750 162,098 21,513 %
Czech Republic
32,727 136,842 318 %
Lithuania
130,479 104,776 -20 %
OTHERS 324,581 260,957 -20 %
TOTAL 586,290 2,710,686 362 %

The statistics are based on the numbers published by Eurostat. The product Softwood logs consists of following HS Codes: 44032.

Rising softwood log stocks across China

Total softwood log stocks across China have increased slightly and are now approximately 3.1-3.3 million m3. Inventory levels increased from last month mainly as a result of increased arrival volumes from the US caused by delays in berthing in the Yangtze Delta ports due to bad weather last month.

According to interest.co.nz, increasing volumes of European spruce arriving by containers are competing strongly with New Zealand's radiata pine. Demand will obviously reduce over the Chinese Lunar New Year as the country celebrates the Year of the Pig and demand will pick up again as workers return to work. Exporters are not concerned about any rise in softwood inventory levels over this period. Log stocks are lower this year than they were before last year’s lunar new year holiday period. Indeed, softwood log stocks peaked over 5M m3 last April with no market issues.

Adding to the overall reduction in log supply from the US, the government in the British Columbia region has announced plans to curb any export of logs. Currently logs are required to be processed domestically by law, but there are exceptions where it can be shown no fair domestic prices have been offered. New laws planned would make it harder to export logs in a bid to encourage more domestic processing. Increased log export fees could be introduced as early as the northern hemisphere summer.

Finland: Lumber production rises in 2018

Production volumes of the Finnish sawmills in the fourth quarter of 2018 fell slightly as compared to the same period of 2017. However, annual production of lumber increased, reaching 11.8 million cubic meters. Plywood production, on the other hand, fell by 0.9 per cent year-on-year.

Overall, production volumes in the Finnish forest industry rose high in 2018. According to statistics collected by the Finnish Forest Industries Federation, pulp production was broken by an annual record and only the production volume of plywood fell slightly from the previous year.

Finland's pulp production was 8.152 million tonnes throughout the year, compared with a record high of 7.956 million tonnes in 2006. An increase of 5.8% year-on-year was recorded for pulp production throughout the year, and continued to grow in the fourth quarter of October.

Pulp production is an essential basic process for the production of traditional paper and board products, but also for the production of new, innovative products. The chemical pulp can now also be used, for example, in clothing, composites and filters.

“Although global growth now seems to be slightly declining, we are self-sufficient in allowing the forest industry to continue to flourish. With our own efforts, we in Finland do not want to weaken the international competitiveness of the industry, says Timo Jaatinen, Managing Director of the Finnish Forest Industries Federation.

Last year there was also a rise in cardboard production, which rose to 3.8 million tonnes. Paper production continued to grow, albeit only by 1.1 per cent year-on-year.

2018 million m3 2017 million m3 Change in %
Lumber million m3 11.8 11.7 0.9%
Plywood million m3 1.2 1.2 -0.9%
Pulp million t 8.2 7.7 5.8%
Paper million t 6.7 6.7 1.1%
Cardboard million t 3.8 3.6 5.4%

The Russian forestry sector reports growth in production in 2018

The Federal State Statistics Service (Rosstat) published the first final data on the volumes of timber production in 2018. 

According to WhatWood, Rosstat covers the largest percentage of producers in such sectors as plywood, particleboard, wood pulp, paper and cardboard. The share of enterprises that regularly report to Rosstat on these types of products is 85-100% of the total production in the country. The smallest percentage of surveyed enterprises is in the harvesting and sawing fields.

According to the results of 2018, Rosstat demonstrated an increase in the production of particleboard and OSB by 15.8% y-o-y up to 9.77 million conv. m3. Plywood production grew by 7.7% y-o-y, up to 4.01 million m3.

Pulp production increased by 0.1% y-o-y up to 8.58 million tons. Paper and paperboard production increased by 6.2% y-o-y, up to 9.04 million m3, as WhatWood reported.

Preliminary estimates of the Ministry of Natural Resources of Russia in terms of timber harvesting in 2018 amounted to 228 million m3, which is 8% more than in 2017. The reasons for the growth were favourable weather conditions - a stable winter and a relatively dry autumn. The growth of harvesting volumes was possible first of all thanks to the share of which falls 80% of the total forest harvesting in Russia: in 2018, they harvested 184 million m3 of wood.

Canadian lumber giants face huge forestry sector crisis

Last week, Canfor Corp. announced that it temporarily curtailed operations at three of its sawmills in British Columbia, because of the market conditions. On January 14th, West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. also announced further cuts in its operations.

According to BNN Bloomberg, this curtailments are the logical response to the high log costs and the low lumber prices.

Kevin Mason, managing director at ERA Forest Products Research, explained that “West Fraser has always been viewed as the – if not one of the – lowest-cost producers out there and yet, here they’re [reducing production hours]. Canfor’s taking an ounce curtailment and additional extended curtailments. We’re definitely seeing the fact that even traditionally low-cost-producers are realizing that the current situation is untenable and they’ve got to take production offline.”

Moreover,  Interfor Corp. and Resolute Forest Products Inc. also reduced production in the fall of 2018, citing market conditions.

Lumber prices in North America have regained some ground, touching US$418 per 1,000 board feet as of 10:10 a.m. ET on Friday after briefly dipping below US$300 on Oct. 25. The swing was dramatic, with the commodity hitting a 2018 high of US$659 on May 14, BNN Bloomberg reported.

Other factors which caused the operations' curtailment include the mountain pine beetle, slowing U.S. housing demand and high log costs. Many British Columbia companies have started to invest in the Southern US, as to balance their dependence on local Canadian supply. Now, the Canadian businesses almost own  a third of production in southern US states as they seek alternate sources.

“We are seeing capacity move out of the western part of North America, both western Canada and the western United States into the U.S. south, simply because of log supply and production economics. What I see is that there’s going to have to be some more capacity declines in places like British Columbia where log supply is constrained, and I see those players who have gone into the U.S. south – diversified geographically – probably doing better going down the road” Robert Hagler, principal at Forest Edge, said.

Shares of Canfor, Interfor and West Fraser have all gained ground in 2019, while Resolute shares are down three per cent from their final 2018 close. However, an industry leader also sees the U.S. push as a hedge against U.S. President Donald Trump’s softwood lumber duties, which have remained in place since April 2017, BNN Bloomberg reported.

Some companies have invested in the U.S., which is more of a hedge on the trade file, actually, more than anything,” Susan Yurkovich, CEO of the B.C. Council of Forest Industries, said. “The constraints that we’ve had in place would be a 35-year fight around softwood lumber,” she added. “That’s certainly been one of the factors that has led people to purchase or acquire production in the U.S., and they’re doing that.”

Yurkovich also explained that one of the keys to future success for B.C.’s producers is to lessen their dependence on trade with the U.S.

We have made huge in-roads into China. We have about 25 per cent of our product going there. We see lots more opportunity in China and while China’s economy is slowing, as well, it’s slowing on a massive base. So if they have even five per cent growth on that massive base there’s lots of opportunity,” she said.

India: Current prices for wood products

Latest prices for Indian teak, plywood and sawnwood - 16-31 January 2019
Plantation teak prices

US$ per cu.m C&F
Angola logs 389-574
Belize logs 350-400
Benin logs 290-714
Benin sawn 530-872
Brazil logs 344-540
Brazil squares 333-556
Cameroon logs 405-616
Colombia logs 478-743
Congo D. R. logs 450-761
Costa Rica logs 357-780
Côte d'Ivoire logs 289-756
Ecuador squares 333-454
El-Salvador logs 320-732
Ghana logs 294-452
Guatemala logs 324-646
Guyana logs 300-450
Kenya logs 515-876
Laos logs 300-605
Liberia logs 265-460
Malaysian logs 225-516
Mexican logs 295-808
Nicaragua logs 402-505
Panama logs 335-475
PNG logs 443-575
Sudan logs 358-556
Tanzania, teak, sawn 307-613
Thailand logs 511-700
Togo logs 334-590
Trinidad and Tobago logs 603-753
Uganda logs 411-623
Uganda Teak sawn 680-900
Price range depends mainly on length and cross section

Prices for locally sawn imported hardwoods
Prices for imported hardwood sawnwood remain unchanged from a month earlier but will eventually come under the same downward pressure as anticipated in the teak market.

Sawnwood, (Ex-mill) (AD) Rs. per ft3
Merbau
4000-4200
Balau
2500-2700
Resak
1750-1950
Kapur
2200-2400
Kempas
1550-1750
Red Meranti
1450-1550
Radiata pine AD
850-950
Whitewood
850-950
Price range depends mainly on length and cross section

Myanmar teak prices
Traders report that demand for imported sawn teak from Myanmar is flat. The weak housing market and the high prices for imported Myanmar teak have combined to weaken interest in top quality sawnwood.

Sawnwood (Ex-mill) Rs. per ft3
Myanmar Teak (AD)
Export Grade F.E.Q.
14000-20000
Plantation Teak A grade
9000-10000
Plantation Teak B grade
7000-8000
Plantation Teak FAS grade6
4000-6000
Price variations depend mainly on length and cross section.

Prices for imported sawnwood

Sawnwood, (Ex-warehouse) (KD) Rs per ft3
Beech 1650-1800
Sycamore 1800-2000
Red oak 1900-2000
White Oak 2500-2600
American Walnut 5000-5500
Hemlock AB grade 1500-1600
Western Red Cedar 2000-2200
Douglas Fir 1800-2000
Price variations depend mainly on length and cross section.

Prices for WBP marine grade manufactured by domestic mills

Plywood, Rs per sq.ft
Ex-warehouse. (MR Quality)
4 mm 63
6 mm 84
9 mm 105
12 mm 130
15 mm 175
18 mm 183

Domestic ex-warehouse prices for locally manufactured MR plywood

Locally Manufactured
Plywood “Commercial
Grade”
Rs per sq.ft
Rubberwood Hardwood
4mm Rs.31.5 Rs.46
6mm Rs.47 Rs.60
8mm Rs.60 Rs.73.5
12mm Rs.73.5 Rs.86
15mm Rs.87 Rs.105
19mm RS.101 Rs.120
5mm Flexible ply Rs.63

Source: ITTO

China: Prices for main wood products in January 2019

Prices in the Guangdong Yuzhu Timber Market 
Exchange rate: 1 Euro= 7,65 CNY (January 3rd, 2019)
Date: January 30rd, 2019

1. Logs
Origin Species Diameter
Prices range
(Euro/m3)
Prices range
(RMB/m3)
Jan.
Price
Change from Dec.
Min
Max
Min
Max
Range Trend
Malaysia, Indonesia Merbau d>100cm 697.05 723.86 5200 5400 5200/5400
80<99cm 576.41 603.22 4300 4500 4300/4500
d<79cm 469.17 509.38 3500 3800 3500/3800
Balau d>100cm 710.46 737.27 5300 5500 5300/5500
80<99cm 616.62 643.43 4600 4800 4600/4800
60<d<79cm 576.41 603.22 4300 4500 4300/4500
d<60cm 509.38 563.00 3800 4200 4200/4300
Kapur d>80cm 375.34 402.14 2800 3000 2800/3000
d<79cm 348.53 361.93 2600 2700 2600/2700
Ulin Assorted 871.31 6500 6500
Lauan d>60cm 268.10 294.91 2000 2200 2000/2200
50<60cm 241.29 268.10 1800 2000 1800/2000
Mengaris d>60cm 268.10 281.50 2000 2100 2000/2100
50<d<60cm 227.88 254.69 1700 1900 1700/1900
Northeastern China,Russia Ash d>35cm 576.41 589.81 4300 4400 4300/4400
Basswood d>36cm 482.57 509.38 3600 3800 3600/3800
Elm d=36cm 375.34 482.57 2800 3600 2800/3600
Chinese walnut d=36cm 375.34 563.00 2800 4200 2800/4200
Chinese oak d>36cm 563.00 734.27 4200 5500 4000/5500
Mongolian scotch pine d>36cm 254.69 294.91 1900 2200 1900/2200
Larch d>36cm 207.77 241.29 1550 1800 1550/1800
Maple d>36cm 361.93 408.85 2700 3050 2700/3050
Poplar d>36cm 221.18 261.39 1650 1950 1650/1950
Africa
Big Wenge Assorted 643.43 871.31 4800 6500 5000/6500
Okume Assorted 294.91 335.12 2200 2500 2200/2500
Okan Assorted 455.76 522.79 3400 3900 3400/3900
African blackwood Assorted 1139.41 1340.48 8500 10000 8500/10000
Adoukdeafric d>80cm 509.38 522.79 3800 3900 3800/3900
d<79cm 469.17 495.98 3500 3700 3500/3700
Umbila d=60cm 630.03 4700 4800 4700/4800
Ambila Assorted 455.76 697.05 3400 5200 3400/5500
Kevozingo d>80cm 1742.63 2010.72 13000 15000 13000/15000
Ekki d>100cm 522.79 536.19 3900 4000 4000/4100
d=50-99cm 388.74 402.14 2900 3000 2900/3000
Monzo d=40cm 831.10 911.53 6200 6800 6200/6800
Myanmar Teak 30<d<60cm 1139.41 1608.58 8500 12000 8500/12000
France Red oak d>30cm 335.12 348.53 2500 2600 2500/2600
S.America Purple Heart d>60cm 455.76 495.98 3400 3700 3400/3700
50<d<60cm 402.14 455.76 3000 3400 3000/3400
Barataballi d>60cm 308.31 2300 2300
Wamara d>40cm 469.17 536.19 3500 4000 3700/4100
Ipe d>40cm 442.36 509.38 3300 3800 3600/4000
Green heart d>40cm 308.31 328.42 2300 2450 2300/2450
Fava-Amargosa d>100cm 348.53 442.36 2600 3300 2600/3300
Palosanto d>30cm 1099.20 1179.62 8200 8800 8200/8800
King wood Assorted(unit:ton) 4289.54 6032.17 32000 45000 36000/45000
2. Sawntimber
Places Product
name
Grades Prices range
(Euro/m3)
Prices range
(RMB/m3)
Jan.
Price
Change from Dec.
Min Max Min Max Range Trend
North America Cherry FAS-2" 1206.43 1474.53 9000 11000 9000/11000
FAS-1" 1072.39 1206.43 8000 9000 8000/9000
White Ash A 804.29 938.34 6000 7000 6000/7000
Black Walnut FAS-2" 1876.68 2278.82 14000 17000 14000/17000
FAS-1" 1340.48 1742.63 10000 13000 10000/13000
AB(1-2") 1005.36 1139.41 7500 8500 7500/8500
Hard Maple A 1206.43 1340.48 9000 10000 9000/10000
Soft Maple A 1005.36 1072.39 7500 8000 7500/8000
White Oak A 1206.43 1742.63 9000 13000 9000/13000
Red Oak A 938.34 1206.43 7000 9000 7000/9000
White Kageki A 1072.39 1206.43 8000 9000 8000/9000
Pine Finaland A 375.34 2800 2800
Africa Makore A (imported with original packing) 1005.36 7500 7500
Zingana A 1474.53 1742.63 11000 13000 11000/13000
Awora A 844.50 938.34 6300 7000 6300/7000
Mezali (big) A 1742.63 2010.72 13000 15000 13000/15000
Mezali (small) A 1608.58 1742.63 12000 13000 12000/13000
African Walnut A 1273.46 1340.48 9500 10000 9500/10000
Sapelli A (imported with original packing) 1045.58 1139.41 7800 8500 7800/8500
Okume A 603.22 670.24 4500 5000 4500/5000
Ebiara A 844.50 911.53 6300 6800 7000/7500
Bubinga A 2278.82 2546.92 17000 19000 17000/19000
Acajou A (imported with original packing) 1045.58 1139.41 7800 8500 7500/8000
Adouk d'afric A 777.48 844.50 5800 6300 6000/6500
Samba A 670.24 710.46 5000 5300 5000/5300
Teak A 1286.86 9600 9600
Europe European Maple A 1340.48 1407.51 10000 10500 10000/10500
Beech Super Class 710.46 5300 5300
Southeast Asia Nyatoh No knot 536.19 589.81 4000 4400 4000/4400
Pontianak wood Super Class 1206.43 1340.48 9000 10000 9000/10000
Merbau Super class 1139.41 1233.24 8500 9200 8500/9200
Lauan Super class 616.62 643.43 4600 4800 4600/4800
Camphorwood Super class 670.24 737.27 5000 5500 5000/5500
Camphorwood A 603.22 656.84 4500 4900 4500/4900
Ebony Super class 2412.87 18000 18000
Ramin No knot 804.29 884.72 6000 6600 6000/6600

Price information in Shanghai Furen Timber Market - January 2019

Exchange rate: 1 Euro=7,46 CNY (January 30rd, 2019)
Date: January 30rd, 2019

1. Imported sawntimber
Standard name Local name Grade Spec./
Grades
Origin Prices range
(Euro/m3)
Price range (RMB/m3) Jan.
Price
Change from Dec.
Min
Max
Min
Max
Range Trend
Okume Okume All spcifications A Africa 589.81 643.43 4400 4800 4400/4800
Ebiara Ebiara All spcifications A 965.15 1072.39 7200 8000 7200/8000
Sapeli Sapeli All spcifications A 965.15 1152.82 7200 8600 7200/8600
Zingana Zingana All spcifications A 1206.43 1474.53 9000 11000 9000/11000
Bubinga Bubinga A (high mountains) A Africa 2010.72 2252.01 15000 16800 15000/16800
A (Zambia) 1273.46 1340.48 9500 10000 9500/10000
African Mahogany African Mahogany All spcifications A Africa 804.29 1005.36 6000 7500 6000/7500
Makore Makore All spcifications A 1139.41 1246.65 8500 9300 8500/9300
Ayous Wawa Wawa A 495.98 549.60 3700 4100 3700/4100
Ayous A 589.81 643.43 4400 4800 4400/4800
Beli Beli All spcifications A 938.34 991.96 7000 7400 7000/7400
Oak Red oak 2" FAS North America 1072.39 1152.82 8000 8600 7800/8600
1" FAS 871.31 1005.36 6500 7500 6200/7000
2" 1 com 777.48 871.31 5800 6500 5000/5600
1" 1 com 670.24 777.48 5000 5800 6000/6500
White oak 2" FAS 1273.46 1474.53 9500 11000 7500/8500
1" FAS 938.34 1045.58 7000 7800 7000/7800
2" 1 com 737.27 938.34 5500 7000 6500/7000
1" 1 com 723.86 871.31 5400 6500 5800/6500
White Ash White Ash 2" FAS 1005.36 1139.41 7500 8500 6500/7500
1" FAS 777.48 911.53 5800 6800 5500/6000
2" 1 com 737.27 817.69 5500 6100 5500/6100
1" 1 com 630.03 683.65 4700 5100 4700/5100
Hard Maple Hard Maple 2" FAS 1273.46 1407.51 9500 10500 9500/10500
1" FAS 965.15 1045.58 7200 7800 7200/7800
Soft Maple Soft Maple 1" 1 com 831.10 871.31 6200 6500 6200/6500
Cherry Cherry 2" FAS 1206.43 1407.51 9000 10500 9000/10500
1" 871.31 1045.58 6500 7800 6500/7800
Black Walnut Black Walnut 2" FAS 2010.72 2278.82 15000 17000 15000/17000
1" 1474.53 1876.68 11000 14000 11000/14000
Red Alder Red Alder JB 375.34 388.74 2800 2900 2800/2900
CUS 522.79 549.60 3900 4100 3900/4100
SUP 670.24 697.05 5000 5200 5000/5200
Yellow Poplar Yellow Poplar 1" FAS 536.19 563.00 4000 4200 4000/4200
2" FAS 616.62 643.43 4600 4800 4600/4800
Yellow Meranti Yellow Meranti All specifications A Southeast Asia 482.57 522.79 3600 3900 3600/3900
Red Meranti Red Meranti All specifications A 509.38 549.60 3800 4100 3800/4100
Champaka Golden teak All specifications Assorted Yunnan/
Mynmar
871.31 1005.36 6500 7500 6500/7500
 Merbau Merbau 2" Assorted Indonesia 1005.36 1273.46 7500 9500 7600/9500
Beech Beech AA Europe 576.41 630.03 4300 4700 4300/4700
heartwood 509.38 563.00 3800 4200 3800/4200
Ash Ash All specifications A Russia 670.24 898.12 5000 6700 5000/6700
Elmwood Elmwood A 603.22 764.08 4500 5700 4500/5500

EU requested consultations with Ukraine over wood export ban

The EU has formally requested consultations with Ukraine under the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement on Ukraine's export ban on unprocessed wood, according to a report posted on the website of the European Commission.

"The EU considers that the longstanding trade restriction by Ukraine is in violation of key trade provisions of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement, which prohibit any form of export restrictions," the statement said.

The European Commission notes that while the EU strongly supports legitimate measures taken by states to preserve forests and to combat illegal logging, the EU has repeatedly stated that Ukraine's export ban cannot be considered an appropriate or effective measure for that purpose and has repeatedly offered cooperation in the area of forest preservation and management.

"Consultations under the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement are the first step in a dispute settlement. The EU hopes that the matter can be successfully resolved during these bilateral consultations," the statement reads.

The moratorium on timber exports has been in force in Ukraine since 2015.

New Zealand: Export prices for logs rising due to higher prices in China and lower ocean freight costs

At wharf gate (AWG) prices for logs delivered to ports around New Zealand increased on average 12-13 NZD per JASm3 over the last two months. This is due to a combination of increases in the CFR sale prices in China and a reduction in ocean freight costs. A grade logs from New Zealand now sell for up to 142 USD per JASm3 in China and 155 USD per JASm3 in India.
The domestic market for logs has had a very stable start to 2019 with no significant changes in log prices. Demand for sawn timber is ahead of this time last year. The only constraint to log supply is the production capacity in New Zealand.
Due to the increases in AWG sale prices over January and February the PF Olsen Log Price Index increased $8 to $137 for February. The index is currently $9 above the two-year average, $11 above the three-year average, and $20 higher than the five-year average.
Prices for domestic log sales in Quarter 1, 2019 are relatively unchanged from Quarter 4, 2018. Demand is strong as mills replenish stock after the Christmas holidays. Log supply has been strong with excellent weather around the country.
Sales into Asia have been patchy through the Chinese Lunar New Year, and demand is expected to increase later in February.
At wharf gate (AWG) prices for logs delivered to ports around New Zealand increased on average 8 NZD and 5-6 NZD per JASm3 in January and February respectively. The price increases were across all grades. Some log exporters were able to increase prices more than other log exporters due to short term shipping advantages. New Zealand's log exporters are generally positive with their outlook for March AWG prices.

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