Central
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Congo: Ban on log exports comes into force
Since January 1, 2023, the log export ban in the Republic of the Congo has come into effect as scheduled. Now, the log export in Pointe-Noire Port is limited to semi-finished and finished products, and no log will be exported in the form of logs. This move will increase the timber industry’s contribution to domestic production Contribution to gross value (GDP), the Government says. Considering that their respective domestic wood processing industry has not yet had enough experience, the Republic of Congo and other Central African countries negotiated to postpone the log export ban originally scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2022 to January 1, 2023. Affected by the poor international and regional economic situation, the chairman of the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC) Committee announced on October 28, 2022 that the entry into force of the Central... Continue reading
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July 18, 2016
Central/West Africa: Convergence of factors drives sapele and sipo sawnwood prices lower
An unexpected ‘wobble’ in the market has resulted in prices for sapele and sipo sawnwood dipping sharply. The volatility in prices for these two species is the result of a slowdown in purchases for China coinciding with the seasonal downturn in the traditional European markets as the summer vacation period begins. Another factor for the price weakness is the higher level of sapele and sipo sawnwood production especially in Cameroon, Congo Brazzaville and Central African Republic. Mills in the region increased output to meet growing demand in Europe but now, due to the summer slowdown, production is well above consumption,... Continue reading
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June 24, 2019
West Africa: Logs & sawnwood FOB prices for Chinese market under pressure
European markets are uninspiring according to producers. FOB prices remain at the same level as in the past 2 months but there is some comfort to be gained from the market stability. In recent weeks another shipment to Europe of around 10,000 cubic metres of azobe has swamped the market and is beginning to undermine FOB prices Prices for the Chinese market are becoming more volatile. Analysts report that prices for ovangkol for the Chinese market have dropped 30-40% due to the lack of demand. Demand for okoume, padouk and belli has also fallen and this could eventually drive prices lower. Heavy rain and the truck weight/load limits continue to be a problem for producers in Cameroon. Exporters in SEZ having an easier time Analysts report that it is now 6 weeks since the last export shipment by companies operating outside the Special Economic Zone (SEZ). It has been rumoured that... Continue reading
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June 24, 2019
West Africa: Logs & sawnwood FOB prices for Chinese market under pressure
European markets are uninspiring according to producers. FOB prices remain at the same level as in the past 2 months but there is some comfort to be gained from the market stability. In recent weeks another shipment to Europe of around 10,000 cubic metres of azobe has swamped the market and is beginning to undermine FOB prices Prices for the Chinese market are becoming more volatile. Analysts report that prices for ovangkol for the Chinese market have dropped 30-40% due to the lack of demand. Demand for okoume, padouk and belli has also fallen and this could eventually drive prices lower. Heavy rain and the truck weight/load limits continue to be a problem for producers in Cameroon. Exporters in SEZ having an easier time Analysts report that it is now 6 weeks since the last export shipment by companies operating outside the Special Economic Zone (SEZ). It has been rumoured that... Continue reading