In order to solve Vietnam's timber processing and export of raw materials problems, the Vietnamese enterprises have proposed to prohibit the export of logs to the world. Continue reading "Vietnamese wood enterprises propose ban of logs exports"
Article archive
Japan imported 14.8% more lumber from Europe in 2016; Stora Enso, Schweighofer among top exporters
Japan's total imports of European softwood lumber in 2016 was 2,736,628 cbms, 14.8% more than 2015, and the highest since 2013. Continue reading "Japan imported 14.8% more lumber from Europe in 2016; Stora Enso, Schweighofer among top exporters"
EU timber imports rise to highest level since financial crises
The total value of EU imports of wood products was Euro 17.48 billion in 2016, 1.3% more than in 2015.
This followed an increase of 12% to Euro 17.25 billion in 2015. In 2016 EU import value was at the highest level since 2008 just before the global financial crises (Chart 1).
The value of the euro plunged 20% against the U.S. dollar between 2014 and 2015, resulting in a sharp increase in euro import prices at that time, particularly for goods from North America and Asia. This was a major factor boosting the value of EU imports in 2015.
However, the value of the euro remained relatively stable against the U.S. dollar between 2015 and 2016 and had much less impact on the import value trend last year.
Imports of wood products reach $1.2 billion in Saudi Arabia
The climbing value of the wood sector in Saudi Arabia, which currently imports some US$1.2bn worth of timber and wood products each year, has spurred the launch of the country’s first event dedicated to the industry, the Wood Tech & Design Expo.
Developed by dmg events Middle East, Asia & Africa, the event will debut at the Jeddah Centre for Forum and Events from 22 to 24 January 2018. The event will focus on the growing potential of the wood sector, the demand for timber products and supporting tools and machinery that can speed production and improve efficiency.
“This adds up to significant opportunities across all parts of the wood sector’s value chain,” said Mariana Montiel, project manager for dmg events. “Whether you are tackling the 70 percent of demand that comes from the construction sector, or grabbing a share of the furniture market’s nine percent annual growth, wood technology and design in Saudi Arabia is on the rise.”
A two-day International Wood Conference will focus on the latest innovative, design-led wood solutions and modern wood manufacturing best practice. A series of CPD certified workshops will also take place during the event, offering attendees expert training on project management, sustainable practices and construction contracts.
Live product demonstrations and a special Hotel Solutions Zone will combine with a Sustainable Village packed with eco-friendly construction building systems and a specialist advisory area for furniture factories, all highlighting the diversity of wood products and their potential applications.
“Event features like this directly address the need for more information about new technologies and improved technical skills we’ve identified in the Saudi market,” said Montiel.
The Wood Tech & Design Expo, along with the International Wood Conference and the CPD certified workshops are all free to attend, but visitors must register.
Ghana’s government issues national ban on rosewood logging
Ghana's government has issued a national ban on the export of rosewood, a part of the national forest system. Continue reading "Ghana’s government issues national ban on rosewood logging"
Japan gets ready for biomass power plant surge and increases imports of wood chips
Japanese trading houses and electricity retailers are increasing their imports of wood chips and palm shells, with demand expected to surge amid a rush of construction of biomass power plants. Continue reading "Japan gets ready for biomass power plant surge and increases imports of wood chips"
Record roundwood prices in New Zealand during February
The export prices for New Zealand logs increased for every grade. The average wharf gate price for unpruned A-grade logs advanced to $128 a tonne in February 2017.
This is the highest level since AgriHQ records began in late 2008, while prices for various K-grades haven't been this high since the early- mid 1990s. The $166 a tonne recorded for export pruned logs was firmer than any of the previous six months, although lower than the first half of 2016
Moreover, the shipping rates to the country's main export destinations decreased. The rate to New Zealand's largest export market, China, went down 1%, while South Korea and India decreased 3%.
Log exports from New Zealand reached 15,913,512 m3 in 2016, 9% more than in the previous year. Out of this, 69% went to China, while other 17% of the logs reached South Korea, AgriHQ's survey of exporters, forest owners and sawmillers reported.
The prices for domestic roundwood logs reached price record in February due to the increased demand from construction and horticulture industries. Thus, the average price for roundwood logs rose to $90 a tonne in February, up $5 from January's average price and at the highest level since AgriHQ began collecting the data in early 2002.
"The roundwood sector is currently in a period where interest is at unprecedented levels. Demand for poles has been especially strong, for the likes of foundations and retaining walls. Multiple strands of the horticulture and viticulture industries have also maintained their presence in the roundwood markets as well. The sheer volume of activity has meant some mills have battled to fill orders in recent months," AgriHQ analyst Reece Brick said in the monthly forestry market report.
The record net migration and low interest rates spured demand for additional housing. Also, the booming horticulture industry has helped the investment activity in that sector, causing stoke demand for roundwood.
China: Prices for imported logs and lumber from main timber markets
This index contains the most update prices of logs and lumber from the two major timber distribution markets in China: |
||||||||
Guangzhou Yuzhu Timber Market and Shanghai Furen Timber Market(data not available for the moment) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Price information in Guangdong Yuzhu Timber Market（source: China Timber Information Magazine） |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exchange rate:1Euro=7.25 CNY |
Nov. - Dec. '16 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exchange rate Date: 25th Dec.2016 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Data collecting date: 25th Dec.2016 |
1.Sawntimber |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Species |
Grades |
Prices range (Euro/m3) |
|
Price range (RMB/m3) |
Oct. price |
Oct. price |
Oct. price |
Origin |
Min |
Max |
Min |
Max |
Variation |
Range |
||
North America |
Cherry |
FAS-2" |
1241.38 |
1517.24 |
9000 |
11000 |
same |
9000/11000 |
FAS-1" |
1172.41 |
1379.31 |
8500 |
10000 |
same |
8500/10000 |
||
White Ash |
A |
800.00 |
965.52 |
5800 |
7000 |
same |
5800/7000 |
|
Black Walnut |
FAS-2" |
2068.97 |
2482.76 |
15000 |
18000 |
same |
15000/18000 |
|
FAS-1" |
1655.17 |
2000.00 |
12000 |
14500 |
same |
12000/145000 |
||
AB(1"-2"） |
965.52 |
1103.45 |
7000 |
8000 |
same |
7000/8000 |
||
Hard Maple |
FAS |
1241.38 |
1379.31 |
9000 |
10000 |
same |
9000/10000 |
|
Soft Maple |
FAS |
1103.45 |
1172.41 |
8000 |
8500 |
same |
8000/8500 |
|
White Oak |
FAS |
1034.48 |
1793.10 |
7500 |
13000 |
same |
7500/13000 |
|
Red Oak |
FAS |
896.55 |
1144.83 |
6500 |
8300 |
same |
6500/8300 |
|
SPF |
B |
275.86 |
289.66 |
2000 |
2100 |
same |
2000/2100 |
|
Pine Finland |
A |
358.62 |
400.00 |
2600 |
2900 |
same |
2600/2900 |
|
Africa |
Makore |
A (imported with original packing) |
965.52 |
7000 |
same |
7000 |
||
Zingana |
A |
1379.31 |
1724.14 |
10000 |
12500 |
same |
10000/12500 |
|
Awora |
A |
855.17 |
937.93 |
6200 |
6800 |
Up |
6000/6700 |
|
Mezali (big) |
A |
1655.17 |
2068.97 |
12000 |
15000 |
same |
12000/15000 |
|
Keruing (Africa) |
A |
620.69 |
786.21 |
4500 |
5700 |
same |
4500/5700 |
|
Sapelli |
A(imported with original packing) |
827.59 |
868.97 |
6000 |
6300 |
same |
6000/6300 |
|
Okume |
A |
537.93 |
579.31 |
3900 |
4200 |
Up |
3600/4200 |
|
Ebiara |
A |
758.62 |
827.59 |
5500 |
6000 |
same |
5500/6000 |
|
Bubinga |
A |
2000.00 |
2068.97 |
14500 |
15000 |
Up |
14000/15000 |
|
Acajou |
A (imported with original packing) |
868.97 |
896.55 |
6300 |
6500 |
same |
6300/6500 |
|
Adouk d'afric |
A |
855.17 |
896.55 |
6200 |
6500 |
Up |
6000/6500 |
|
Samba |
A |
675.86 |
731.03 |
4900 |
5300 |
Up |
4500/5000 |
|
Europe |
European Maple |
A |
1241.38 |
1310.34 |
9000 |
9500 |
same |
9000/9500 |
Beech |
Super class |
717.24 |
5200 |
same |
5200 |
|||
Southeast Asia |
Nyatoh |
No knot |
482.76 |
524.14 |
3500 |
3800 |
Down |
3600/4000 |
Pontianak wood |
Assorted |
1310.34 |
1448.28 |
9500 |
10500 |
same |
9500/10500 |
|
Merbau |
Super class |
1034.48 |
1172.41 |
7500 |
8500 |
Up |
7000/8000 |
|
Lauan |
Super class |
620.69 |
648.28 |
4500 |
4700 |
same |
4500/4700 |
|
Camphorwood |
Super class |
689.66 |
827.59 |
5000 |
6000 |
same |
5000/6000 |
|
Camphorwood |
A |
620.69 |
689.66 |
4500 |
5000 |
same |
4500/5000 |
|
|
|
Ramin |
No knot |
827.59 |
910.34 |
6000 |
6600 |
same |
6000/6600 |
Yunnan/Myanmar |
Golden Teak |
Super class |
937.93 |
993.10 |
6800 |
7200 |
same |
6800/7200 |
Red Cherry |
Super class |
827.59 |
868.97 |
6000 |
6300 |
same |
6000/6300 |
|
Toon |
Super class |
524.14 |
551.72 |
3800 |
4000 |
same |
4000/4300 |
|
Teak |
Super class |
1931.03 |
2758.62 |
14000 |
20000 |
same |
14000/20000 |
|
Keruing |
Super class |
565.52 |
593.10 |
4100 |
4300 |
same |
4100/4300 |
|
DRAX makes offer to buy former German Pellets plants in US
UK’s biggest power station, Drax, has recently made offers to buy two of German Pellets' bankrupted US-based biomass pellet plants. Continue reading "DRAX makes offer to buy former German Pellets plants in US"
Roundwood prices in Finland rise in 2016
In 2016, the average price paid for pine logs procured from the Finnish non-industrial private forests in standing sales was EUR 53.3/m3, and for spruce logs it was EUR 55.3 per m3. Continue reading "Roundwood prices in Finland rise in 2016"
Central/West Africa: Logs & sawnwood prices hold steady as demand is slow in Europe before spring
Markets in France, Spain and Portugal are reported as very quiet with only low volumes being purchased to replenish stocks. In France, demand for even the favoured species such as moabi, douka and niangon, is said to be barely sufficient to cover replacement of stocks.
Much the same is true for sapele and sipo where stocks are building up. African producers in Congo Brazzaville, Cameroon and the Central African Republic are pushing French importers to commit to new contracts but could soon be faced with the prospect of having to cut output.
Once again the UK government has announced plans to stimulate more house building with a target of 1 million new homes by 2020. Most observers have heard the same from previous governments and doubt that targets can be achieved.
No sign of spring orders as bad weather affects EU
FOB prices held steady through to mid-February and West and Central African producers expect little change until the markets in Europe begin to recover from the severe winter weather and buyers begin to assess prospects for the spring and summer.
Demand in India has eased, say analysts, but markets in the Middle East and China are active and steadily increasing the volume of imports.
Will they or not – rumours of 20% log export tax in Cameroon
Rumours have surfaced again on a likely 20% export tax on log exports in Cameroon. This could have implications for other log exporting countries which may decide to follow suit or enjoy the competitive advantage such a tax in Cameroon would deliver.
It appears the authorities in Cameroon have reversed the suspension imposed on around 30 concessionaires accused of failing to meet the requirements of their concession agreements.
These concessionaires and others will all soon part in the annual bidding process for renewal of their concessions.
Log Export Prices
| West Africa logs, FOB | € per m³ | ||
| Asian market |
LM
|
B
|
BC/C
|
| Acajou/ Khaya/N’Gollon |
240
|
240
|
160 |
| Ayous/Obéché/Wawa |
240
|
240
|
190
|
| Azobe & Ekki |
230
|
230
|
160
|
| Belli |
240
|
235
|
–
|
| Bibolo/Dibétou |
180
|
170
|
|
| Bilinga |
220
|
220
|
- |
| Iroko | 325 |
300
|
265
|
| Okoume (60% CI, 40% CE, 20% CS) (China only) | 210 | 190 | 160 |
| Moabi | 330 | 300 | 235 |
| Movingui | 210 |
210
|
160
|
| Niove |
175
|
160
|
–
|
| Okan |
210
|
190 |
–
|
| Padouk |
300
|
280 |
230
|
| Sapele | 290 | 280 | 220 |
| Sipo/Utile |
310
|
290 |
255
|
| Tali | 330 | 320 |
–
|
Sawnwood Export Prices
| West Africa sawnwood, FOB |
€ per m³
|
|
| Ayous | FAS GMS | 400 |
| Bilinga | FAS GMS | 515 |
| Okoumé | FAS GMS |
340
|
| Merchantable | 280 | |
| Std/Btr GMS | 266 | |
| Sipo | FAS GMS |
550
|
| FAS fixed sizes | 560 | |
| FAS scantlings | 560 | |
| Padouk | FAS GMS | 820 |
| FAS scantlings | 920 | |
| Strips | 640 | |
| Sapele | FAS Spanish sizes | 500 |
| FAS scantlings | 520 | |
| Iroko | FAS GMS | 620 |
| Scantlings | 710 | |
| Strips |
440
|
|
| Khaya | FAS GMS |
450
|
| FAS fixed |
460
|
|
| Maobi | FAS GMS |
610
|
| Scantlings |
630
|
|
| Movingui | FAS GMS |
420
|
Source: ITTO
Central/West Africa: Logs & sawnwood prices hold steady as demand is slow in Europe before spring
Markets in France, Spain and Portugal are reported as very quiet with only low volumes being purchased to replenish stocks. In France, demand for even the favoured species such as moabi, douka and niangon, is said to be barely sufficient to cover replacement of stocks.
Much the same is true for sapele and sipo where stocks are building up. African producers in Congo Brazzaville, Cameroon and the Central African Republic are pushing French importers to commit to new contracts but could soon be faced with the prospect of having to cut output.
Once again the UK government has announced plans to stimulate more house building with a target of 1 million new homes by 2020. Most observers have heard the same from previous governments and doubt that targets can be achieved.
No sign of spring orders as bad weather affects EU
FOB prices held steady through to mid-February and West and Central African producers expect little change until the markets in Europe begin to recover from the severe winter weather and buyers begin to assess prospects for the spring and summer.
Demand in India has eased, say analysts, but markets in the Middle East and China are active and steadily increasing the volume of imports.
Will they or not – rumours of 20% log export tax in Cameroon
Rumours have surfaced again on a likely 20% export tax on log exports in Cameroon. This could have implications for other log exporting countries which may decide to follow suit or enjoy the competitive advantage such a tax in Cameroon would deliver.
It appears the authorities in Cameroon have reversed the suspension imposed on around 30 concessionaires accused of failing to meet the requirements of their concession agreements.
These concessionaires and others will all soon part in the annual bidding process for renewal of their concessions.
Log Export Prices
| West Africa logs, FOB | € per m³ | ||
| Asian market |
LM
|
B
|
BC/C
|
| Acajou/ Khaya/N’Gollon |
240
|
240
|
160 |
| Ayous/Obéché/Wawa |
240
|
240
|
190
|
| Azobe & Ekki |
230
|
230
|
160
|
| Belli |
240
|
235
|
–
|
| Bibolo/Dibétou |
180
|
170
|
|
| Bilinga |
220
|
220
|
- |
| Iroko | 325 |
300
|
265
|
| Okoume (60% CI, 40% CE, 20% CS) (China only) | 210 | 190 | 160 |
| Moabi | 330 | 300 | 235 |
| Movingui | 210 |
210
|
160
|
| Niove |
175
|
160
|
–
|
| Okan |
210
|
190 |
–
|
| Padouk |
300
|
280 |
230
|
| Sapele | 290 | 280 | 220 |
| Sipo/Utile |
310
|
290 |
255
|
| Tali | 330 | 320 |
–
|
Sawnwood Export Prices
| West Africa sawnwood, FOB |
€ per m³
|
|
| Ayous | FAS GMS | 400 |
| Bilinga | FAS GMS | 515 |
| Okoumé | FAS GMS |
340
|
| Merchantable | 280 | |
| Std/Btr GMS | 266 | |
| Sipo | FAS GMS |
550
|
| FAS fixed sizes | 560 | |
| FAS scantlings | 560 | |
| Padouk | FAS GMS | 820 |
| FAS scantlings | 920 | |
| Strips | 640 | |
| Sapele | FAS Spanish sizes | 500 |
| FAS scantlings | 520 | |
| Iroko | FAS GMS | 620 |
| Scantlings | 710 | |
| Strips |
440
|
|
| Khaya | FAS GMS |
450
|
| FAS fixed |
460
|
|
| Maobi | FAS GMS |
610
|
| Scantlings |
630
|
|
| Movingui | FAS GMS |
420
|
Source: ITTO
Delhi Wood Fair expects 450 exhibitors from about 30 countries
Over 450 exhibitors from about 30 countries, including China, France and Germany, will showcase their products and machinery during the four-day DelhiWood 2017 fair at the India expo centre, Greater Noida. Continue reading "Delhi Wood Fair expects 450 exhibitors from about 30 countries"
Century Ply develops alternate strategy for Laos ban crisis
Century Plyboards India has developed an alternate strategy for the Laos crisis that banned export of raw wood and veneer since over a year. Continue reading "Century Ply develops alternate strategy for Laos ban crisis"
Timber businesses in Sarawak affected by export quota
The reduction in logs export quota and tightening of timber harvesting activities, together with sluggish plywood market in Sarawak have affected the timber businesses in the country. Continue reading "Timber businesses in Sarawak affected by export quota"
Lumber prices in the US up again at the end of February
Framing lumber sales were especially focused on the secondary market during last week. The recent purchases and the higher prices needed to be digested some time by wholesalers and distributors. Continue reading "Lumber prices in the US up again at the end of February"
US: Furniture makers expanding production capacity
La-Z-Boy announced an investment of approximately US$26 million over three years in its largest upholstered furniture manufacturing plant in the US. The investment includes a new innovation centre, various renovations and technology upgrades, and a new transportation terminal.
Other US furniture and cabinet manufacturers have announced expansion or investment plans, including cabinet hardware supplier Blum who will invest US$16 million in upgrades at its headquarters in North Carolina. MasterBrand Cabinets has announced it will grow its workforce at its plants in Indiana.
Growth in furniture orders, shipments and retail sales
New furniture orders increased 8% in November 2016 from the same time last year, according to the Smith Leonhard industry survey of residential furniture manufacturers and distributors. This followed a 1% increase reported in October. Over 60% of survey participants reported order gains in November.
Year-to-date new orders were up 3% compared to the same period in 2015. Year-to-date furniture shipments increased 6% from November 2015. Inventory levels at distributors and manufacturers were unchanged from October and slightly down from November 2015.
Strong consumer confidence provided a boost to retail sales. Annual retail sales at furniture and home furnishings stores increased 3.8% in 2016 from the previous year, according to the US Department of Commerce.
Cabinet sales increased in 2016
Cabinet sales increased 4.3% in 2016, according to the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association (KCMA)’s latest Trend of Business Survey. Participating cabinet manufacturers reported sales totaling US$6.8 billion for 2016, up 4.3% compared to 2015.
Survey participants include stock, semi-custom, and custom companies whose combined sales represent approximately 70% of the US kitchen cabinet and bath vanity market. Stock cabinet sales increased +4% in 2016, semi-custom sales increased +5.9%, and custom sales increased +1.3% compared to 2015.
Optimistic outlook for the German softwood lumber market
During the Q4/2016, the softwood companies in Germany kept on the positive trend. Continue reading "Optimistic outlook for the German softwood lumber market"
Gambia suspends transport, import and export of timber
Gambia's Ministry of Forestry, Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources, has announced, in a press release, that the import, transport and export of timber (Logs), has been suspended with immediate effect until further notice.
It instructs the staff of the Department of Forestry, the Gambia Revenue Authority, the Gambia Ports Authority and all other institutions involved in the issuance of certified documents that enable legal transportation and export of timber, to stop issuing such documents until further notice.
The notice is extended to all Regional Authorities, Wood Vendors, Transport owners and security agencies across the country. The release states, "We are working closely with concerned stakeholders to regulate the trade in timber for the benefit of all Gambians".
The Regional Forestry Officers, foresters and security officers are also instructed to impound any vehicle found with logs.
The release adds that, no timber is allowed to be loaded at the landing points or be exported.
The ministry seeks the cooperation and support of all stakeholders until a win-win solution is found in the trade of timber, bearing in mind the need to protect the forest and the environment and adhering to international conventions on the trade and export of timber.
Latest prices for Indian teak, sawnwood and plywood
The price list for teak, sawnwood and plywood between 1-15 February 2017. Continue reading "Latest prices for Indian teak, sawnwood and plywood"
