This website makes use of cookies. Cookies help improve the functionality and performance of the website and allow us to display content relevant to you. If you continue to browse our website, you consent to the use of cookies with these functionalities. Take time to consult our Cookies Policy for more information
African exporters find their European business has been improving in terms of both volume and price signaling a solid foundation to demand. For the past two or three years EU importers have very carefully managed stock levels of tropical timbers but as the economies in some EU member states improve there has been an increase in timber consumption for infrastructure projects, housing and renovation works which encouraged importers to expand stock levels
[Ещё… ]
There were no price changes in the second half of August and Central and West African producers report that while overall demand is holding up, what little demand there was from buyers for the Chinese market has now dried–up. In China demand for okoume logs and sawnwood has collapsed and even demand for the „redwood‟ timbers is extremely slow.
[Ещё… ]
Prices for the majority of West African timbers have been maintained for some time now but there are some signs of weakness in log prices. Trade with Chinese importers is still at a low level and whilst there are now some reassuring moves by the Chinese government to bring stability to the economy the impact of the current fall in demand will take time to trickle down to the timber trade. Currently, Chinese traders are trying to reduce landed stocks of log and sawnwood before
[Ещё… ]
While West African markets for sawnwood have shown some life, the log market continues to be dull with no sign of any major resurgence in demand from China. What little business can be generated with China revolves around a few select species. There is still no interest from Chinese buyers for okoume logs
[Ещё… ]
Okume demand and hence prices continue to be very depressed in contrast to prices and demand for sapele and sipo which remain firm. Padauk is also in demand and prices have improved slightly.
[Ещё… ]
Ghana's export of wood products for the first three months of 2015 totalled 81,518 cu.m, some 48% more than for same period in 2014 and resulted in earnings of euro 43 million, almost double that in the first quarter 2014.
[Ещё… ]
A few minor price movements were reported in the first week of July but most log and sawnwood prices remain unchanged because of only moderate demand in the main markets. Of major concern to West African exporters was the rapid collapse of stock values in China and the impact this could have on domestic consumption. A large volume of equities in China are in the hands of small investors many of whom have borrowed heavily to buy stocks. Coming on top of the recent weakening in property prices in China it is expected that this latest shock will undermine Chinese consumer confidence and that spending will decline
[Ещё… ]
In contrast to the rather unexceptional demand over the past month producers now report that market conditions have changed. On the one hand, stronger demand for highend species for which availability is limited has lifted prices, conversely there is a downward pressure on prices for other, mainly lower end species, driven by tough competition in the market
[Ещё… ]
Log and sawnwood prices are unchanged in from those reported at the end of May as demand in western international markets is very slow. Sawmills in the region are reported to be either cutting back on production or temporarily ceasing operations in an effort to match output with current levels of demand
[Ещё… ]
In contrast to the slight fluctuations in sawnwood prices log prices have hardly been affected in the first months of the year. While demand is soft in the Chinese market producers say buyers are not pressuring for price reductions in the realisation that availability is an issue. Forest authorities through-out West and Central African countries have strengthened control of harvest levels and this, along with news of the tight log supply situation in SE Asia, is serving to support log prices. Middle East markets continue to be very price conscious
[Ещё… ]
West African producers report that demand levels remain only moderate with buyers concentrating on the most popular species. Sapele is back in demand and this has encouraged a rise in production but millers are careful to balance production with demand so as not to over produce and risk weakening prices
[Ещё… ]
African producers report a slow but steady improvement in demand that has lifted sentiment and brought some stability back to the trade. With the exception of the continued weakness in prices for sapele and okoume, prices for other timbers which had eased in recent weeks are now holding firm such that it appears the downward trend in prices has come to a halt
[Ещё… ]
West and Central African producers now depend on the market in China where, recently, there have been mixed signals on the strength of the construction and housing sectors
[Ещё… ]
West African producers note the quiet market conditions and general absence of buyers but say this has not led to an across the board weakening of prices although the downward pressure on prices for sipo and sapele sawnwood continues
[Ещё… ]
Производители из Западной Африки отмечают неактивность рынка и остутствие покупателей в целом, однако утверждают, что это не привело к повсеместному снижению цен, хотя определенная тенденция к понижению цен на пиломатериалы из сипо и спапеле все еще остается в силе...
[Ещё… ]