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French Market For Logs <strong>Com</strong>es To Life<br />
The flow of log exports is at a fairly normal to high pace and, as always, okoume is the top species for Asian destinations. Buyers<br />
for the Chinese market have resumed purchases of okan logs. Producers report a modest improvement in interest in logs from<br />
buyers in France but across the EU the volumes being imported are much lower than in the past as there are now fewer sawmills<br />
in the EU processing tropical logs. As expected, log prices for the limited number of premium species have moved higher. At<br />
present there are two main drivers of log prices one is the firming demand for sawnwood in major markets the other the limited<br />
availability of the prime species. Demand for sapele and sipo sawnwood is particularly strong at present and demand outstrips<br />
the ability of mills to secure logs.<br />
[ITTO 15/05/14]<br />
Producers Anticipate Firmer Prices For ‘Redwoods’<br />
Recent price rises for the most frequently demanded timbers have been consolidated as demand is now as firmer, a term<br />
that has not been used by producers in the region for several years. Producers are convinced from current developments that<br />
demand will remain firm stretching into the third quarter of the year. Producers anticipate firmer prices for the premium red<br />
timbers. Exporters in Cameroon are particularly well placed and order book positions are said to be extending into the last quarter<br />
of the year. The biggest problem faced by producers is finding sufficient logs to meet shipping schedules. Cameroon log exports,<br />
limited to only secondary species, are reported very strong and this level of demand is supporting overall market prices.<br />
[ITTO 01/05/14]<br />
Sapele Millers Fall Behind On Shipments<br />
Demand for sapele sawnwood substantially higher than supply. Some producers say they are falling behind with deliveries and<br />
are still contracted to supply orders taken at previous lower prices. The current higher demand is spread over several markets<br />
including some European countries and the USA. Demand in Asian and Middle East markets has been consistent over the past<br />
months and producers report good prospects in China, Vietnam and India.<br />
[ITTO 01/05/14]<br />
German Tropical Timber Importers Concerned About Availability<br />
The German trade journal EUWID reports rising concern in Germany about lack of availability of tropical hardwoods. There has<br />
been “satisfactory to good” demand for wood products in Germany since the start of <strong>2014</strong>. However in the case of imported<br />
products the main concern this year has been problems and restrictions on the procurement side. Supplies available to European<br />
buyers are severely restricted, especially in Africa, primarily attributable to the further increase in buying competition from Chinese<br />
companies. Also the FLEGT programme and EU Timber Regulation are now restricting procurement possibilities for European<br />
companies in Africa. The VPA process has contributed to further harvesting restrictions in supplier countries while EUTR has<br />
created uncertainty over the reliability of legality documentation issued by some African governments.<br />
[EUWID 30/04/14]<br />
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