Asia

FSC acts on potential fraud Paulownia wood supply chain in Asia

Following an extensive investigation into Paulownia wood supply chains, FSC has taken initial action against a number of companies that were found to have traded non-certified Paulownia as FSC certified. These companies are subject to termination or suspension of their trademark licenses or further investigations. An investigation involving Assurance Services International (ASI) into FSC chain of custody certified companies trading in Paulownia products revealed that four companies had sourced uncertified Paulownia and were selling it as FSC certified. Three of these certificates have now been suspended, and one has been terminated. Further investigations involving other companies are still ongoing and may lead to additional suspensions. Suspended companies now must introduce specific actions to correct their wrongdoings by a given date or face immediate termination. Until... Continue reading →

November 22, 2018

British Columbia’s largest forestry delegation to visit China, Japan and South Korea at the end of 2018

Doug Donaldson, B.C. Forests/Rural Development Minister, is taking a large forestry-sector delegation to three Asian countries this season. The move comes as an intention to expand exports beyond the suddenly slowing American market. Donaldson, whose portfolio also includes Lands and Natural Resources Operations, will visit South Korea, Japan and China Dec. 5 -15 with a group of officials from more than 40 companies, research institutions, unions and trade associations. The number of entities represented by the delegation in last year’s trade mission (to China and Japan) was around 30, according to Business in Vancouver. Donaldson led a forestry-sector delegation to Asia last year too, but this year's edition will include a large First Nations component. The Minister said that is very necessary for B.C. to put First Nations communities in direct contact with potential... Continue reading →

January 9, 2023

Mixed trends in Asian wood pellet demand

Wood pellet demand in Asia is likely to diverge in 2023, with Japanese consumption set to rise as new capacity is brought on line, while South Korean demand could remain stable. Asian wood pellet supply tightened in 2022, but is likely to ease in 2023. But increased scrutiny of Vietnamese suppliers could cause a shift in trade flows, with wood pellet availability increasing for South Korean buyers and remaining tight for Japan. A shortage of raw materials and an increase in demand from Europe tightened wood pellet supply in Asia in 2022, pushing fob Vietnam wood pellet prices to historical highs. Supply is likely to increase in 2023 because of a recent decline in European demand as a result of high stocks, along with lower Chinese wood chip demand given ample inventories. The Japanese and South Korean markets are likely to see different levels of wood pellet availability in... Continue reading →

October 28, 2020

Russian plywood producer Sveza bets on Asia and doubles sales in 2020

Despite difficult economic conditions, Russian plywood producer Sveza managed to double its sales in East and Southeast Asia. By the end of September 2020, the plywood manufacturer's total sales in these markets were over 47,000 m³. The development of the trend is due to the fact that the Asian region was the first to face a pandemic and was recovering faster than European countries. The company noted that a large amount of plywood is traditionally imported to the countries of East and Southeast Asia, with China being the largest market. In 2020, Sveza managed to increase its exports to the region and conquer various segments of the local economy. Sergey Aplyaev, head of sales in the East Asia market of Sveza, said that the Russian manufacturer focused on the development of Asian markets, created a separate structure and attracted managers who speak Chinese. Thus, the... Continue reading →

October 28, 2020

Russian plywood producer Sveza bets on Asia and doubles sales in 2020

Despite difficult economic conditions, Russian plywood producer Sveza managed to double its sales in East and Southeast Asia. By the end of September 2020, the plywood manufacturer's total sales in these markets were over 47,000 m³. The development of the trend is due to the fact that the Asian region was the first to face a pandemic and was recovering faster than European countries. The company noted that a large amount of plywood is traditionally imported to the countries of East and Southeast Asia, with China being the largest market. In 2020, Sveza managed to increase its exports to the region and conquer various segments of the local economy. Sergey Aplyaev, head of sales in the East Asia market of Sveza, said that the Russian manufacturer focused on the development of Asian markets, created a separate structure and attracted managers who speak Chinese. Thus, the... Continue reading →

January 9, 2019

European tropical wood imports impacted by supply issues

Looking at factors behind the sales trends, European importers earlier reported supply issues out of Asia due to an extended 2017/18 rainy season, with bangkirai decking, meranti and keruing all affected, although judging by the figures, importers have played catch up since. Issues in Cameroon, however, are ongoing. The underinvested port of Douala remains a persistent bottleneck and conflict between the francophone Cameroon government and Anglophone rebels in the southwest of the country is also impacting supply.... Continue reading →

January 9, 2023

Mixed trends in Asian wood pellet demand

Wood pellet demand in Asia is likely to diverge in 2023, with Japanese consumption set to rise as new capacity is brought on line, while South Korean demand could remain stable. Asian wood pellet supply tightened in 2022, but is likely to ease in 2023. But increased scrutiny of Vietnamese suppliers could cause a shift in trade flows, with wood pellet availability increasing for South Korean buyers and remaining tight for Japan. A shortage of raw materials and an increase in demand from Europe tightened wood pellet supply in Asia in 2022, pushing fob Vietnam wood pellet prices to historical highs. Supply is likely to increase in 2023 because of a recent decline in European demand as a result of high stocks, along with lower Chinese wood chip demand given ample inventories. The Japanese and South Korean markets are likely to see different levels of wood pellet availability in... Continue reading →