Import/Export Wood Purchasing News - October/November 2022

Michael Snow
Business Trends Abroad
NEWSWIRES
United Kingdom–After the United Kingdom (UK) signaled its intention to
leave the EU, the government set out plans to stop recognizing the CE mark and
to introduce the UK Conformity Assessed (UKCA) mark instead. For construction
products this was originally due to take place on January 1, 2022, but the
deadline was extended until January 1, 2023, due to the pandemic and because
there was a lack of available UK Approved Conformity Assessment Bodies.
Like the CE mark, the UKCA mark indicates that a product conforms with
the applicable product safety requirements for products of its type sold in Great
Britain.
The UKCA mark shows that a product has been assessed for conformity, with
the results of that assessment being summarized in the manufacturer’s Declaration
of Performance.
Most construction products that are currently CE marked, or new products covered
by a UK Designated Standard, will need to be UKCA marked from January
1, 2023. The marks are required for structural timber and wood-based panels
for which there is a harmonized European standard or UK Designated Standard.
Wood-based products such as skirting, architraves and other wood trim are not
covered by a harmonized standard and therefore do not require CE marking.
Wood-based panels specifically designed for furniture are not construction
products and therefore do not typically require marks. Other wood products not
typically requiring marks are general sawn or machined goods (unless they are
Structural or Flooring). Decking, overall, is exempt but may count as Structural
if it is used as a balcony or raised up on columns.
While the official deadline for introduction of the UKCA mark requirement is
January 1, 2023, the UK Construction Products Association has warned government
that unless they take action to make the UKCA marking requirements more
flexible, many sectors could be left unable to place products on the market after
that date. This could result in tradespeople being unable to purchase essential
construction materials, potentially delaying projects and damaging the UK’s
economic growth.
It is possible that the deadline will be delayed again following passage of the
Building Safety Bill, which gives Ministers the power to alter the date.
Amsterdam– Amsterdam has launched a "Green Deal timber construction,"
in which more than 80 organizations are now involved, including the Dutch
government, various municipalities, the transport authority, scientific institutions,
housing associations, investors, architects, engineering firms and banks. Accordingly,
starting in 2025 at least 20 percent of all new buildings should be made
of wood or other organic building materials. This is one of several strategies with
which Amsterdam wants to reduce CO2 emissions, envisaging that by 2025 every
5th apartment should be made of wood. The city council intends to establish
20 recycling systems for products and raw materials as part of an innovation
program.
Southeast - Continued from page 17
pretty major price correction. Prices are going down pretty much across the board.
I don’t think there’s any grade or species that is unscathed at the moment. The
market is on the decline at this time.”
In fact, he said, the market is not as good as it was a few months earlier.
He offers Red and White Oak and Poplar in 4/4 through 8/4, in all grades including
FAS and No. 1, 2 and 3 Common.
He sells mostly to end use manufacturers and to some distribution yards. “They
are OK today in their sales, but their order files are getting shorter.
“The cost of transportation is difficult and has an effect on our business,” he
observed. “However, transportation is more available.” n
West Coast - Continued from page 17
“It’s tougher getting containers shipped from mills,” he remarked, “but local
transportation is good.”
A lumber provider in Oregon said, “Everyone is seeking clarity about what’s
going on in the marketplace, what will happen.” He said the market is weakened.
There is falling domestic demand as well as a slower global market. “Some
people have pulled back purchases,” he stated. “Warehouses are full or don’t
have much space. There is uncertainty with what the Federal Reserve will do
with interest rates. The November elections, at the state and federal level, also
provide uncertainty,” he said.
The market is not as good as it was several months earlier, he said.
Poplar, White Oak, and Hard Maple are his best sellers. He said that, among
other products, they run a lot of their lumber into profiles at their moulding plant.
He sells his lumber to cabinet manufacturers, commercial enterprises that
refurbish interiors of offices, banks, concert halls, universities, furniture manufacturers
and retailers.
Transportation is getting better, he said.
Germany– Sales in the German wood industry increased by 19.7 percent to
€23.3 billion from January to June 2022 (the most compared to the first half
of 2021), according to an analysis by the German Wood Industry Association
(HDH) based on statistical data Federal Office shows. The sales growth was
quite different in the individual sectors with sometimes considerable increases in
procurement costs. In the wood packaging industry, sales increased by around 56
percent and thus the strongest, followed by the sawmill industry with an increase
of 33 percent and the wood-based materials industry with 25 percent. Although
sales in the construction-related area of the timber industry (+15.5 percent) and
in the furniture industry (+13.4 percent) were also above the previous year's
level, the rates of increase here were significantly lower.
North America– U.S. imports of hardwood flooring came back to earth
this summer (the latest data available) after a record showing in May. Imports
declined 21 percent, mostly due to a steep drop in imports from lower-volume
supply countries such as Vietnam and a 7 percent drop in imports from Malaysia.
Imports from the top U.S. trading partners either stayed level (Brazil down
less than 1 percent) or improved (Indonesia up 70 percent, China up 10 percent).
Total imports are ahead of last year 14 percent through the first half of 2022.
Imports of assembled flooring panels gained 6 percent in June. Imports from
Brazil more than doubled while imports from Indonesia grew by 70 percent.
This was offset to some degree by declines of around 20 percent in imports from
China and Thailand.
Total imports of assembled flooring panels are up 57 percent through the first
half of the year as imports from Brazil are more than double that of 2021 so far
and imports from Thailand are up more than fourfold.
Imports of hardwood mouldings rose a modest 2 percent in June. Imports from
Brazil and China rose sharply to rebound from weak May numbers. Imports from
top supplier Canada did just the opposite, falling 15 percent, continuing an up
and down pattern we have seen all year.
Despite the volatility by countries each month, imports are up sharply among
all suppliers year to date. Through the first half of the year, total imports are
ahead by 38 percent over 2021 with imports from Brazil up 86 percent, China up
54 percent, and Canada up 36 percent.
After setting a record low in May, US imports of wooden furniture fell by
7 percent in June. Despite the retreat, the US$2.33 billion of goods imported
was more than 5 percent higher than the previous June and among the strongest
months ever.
Imports fell from nearly every major partner with imports from India, Malaysia
and Vietnam seeing the steepest declines. Still, total imports of wooden
furniture are up 10 percent through the first half of 2022 with all major trading
partners ahead of 2021 totals. n
In Washington State, a lumberman said, “The market has slowed over the past
month or two it’s a little softer. All the negative news about recessions and the
slowing housing market have affected the market.
“I’d say the market is a little worse than it was a few months ago,” he stated.
“We’re still moving products. The price of lumber is definitely falling. It’s significant
but not drastic: a 20 percent drop on some items. People are holding off
on their purchases and only buying what they need. They’re not stocking a lot of
lumber right now.”
He sells all grades of Walnut, Poplar, Oak, Maple, Basswood, and all Eastern
hardwoods in 4/4 through 8/4 “but you could see any thickness go out of here,”
he noted.
He sells to millwork shops, distribution yards, cabinet shops and others. “I hear
mixed results of sales by those companies. Some companies are so backed up
they’re not seeing a slowdown; others have said the opposite. It’s hard to make
sense of what’s going on. Some sheds are full, and those companies are buying to
replace as needed. Lumber prices are falling a little bit, and people don’t want to
be caught with high-priced lumber.”
For transportation, prices have softened a little, and availability of trucks is
better, he said.
Overall, he observed, “You feel like everyone’s talking themselves into a
recession. Indicators vary, which is weird. Some are bad; some aren’t. In today’s
world, it’s tough to tell where you’re at economically.” n
Ontario - Continued from page 18
investing in innovative forest sector technologies, the forest sector is providing
greener solutions that help tackle climate change and transition to a low-carbon
economy while increasing its competitiveness on a national and global scale. n
Mississauga, Ontario –Tropical Forest Products, with
its head office here, recently announced that its premium
Black Label brand of Ipe and other tropical hardwoods
has partnered with Dakota Premium Hardwoods, a trusted
distributor of high-quality lumber, engineered products
and full job packages such as supports and fasteners.
With branch locations in Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma,
Dakota is headquartered in Waco, Texas. Dakota Premium
Hardwoods will distribute the full line of Black Label’s
Brian Lotz
sustainable tropical hardwoods throughout their warehouse
locations.
“The Black Label team is excited to continue the expansion of our distribution
network in Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma with Dakota Premium Hardwoods,”
said Brian Lotz, Technical Director for Tropical Forest Products. “Dakota’s
impressive green initiatives, unsurpassed customer service, hardwood expertise
and supply chain mastery are essential to the Black Label brand as we grow our
distribution footprint.”
Black Label is dedicated to offering 100 percent legally harvested sustainable
tropical hardwoods from South America. Every tree chosen to produce Black
Label products is carefully selected based on the forest’s age, size and productive
wellbeing. Black Label features Ipe, Cumaru, Jatoba, Garapa, BulletWood and
Tigerwood, with commercial and residential applications ranging from decking,
cladding and ceilings to architectural millwork. “The Dakota partnership with
the Black Label brand perfectly aligns with our commitment to offering beauty,
sustainability and value across our growing platform,” said Ron Mazzarella, CEO
of Dakota Premium Hardwoods.
Raising the bar for premium, sustainable tropical hardwoods, Black Label’s
kiln-dried process enhances every product for strength and stability, a company
spokesperson said. Every board and hardware accessory must be Premium
Architectural Grade or above to earn the name Black Label. Black Label provides
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IMPORT/EXPORT
Vol.49 No.2 Serving Forest Products Buyers Worldwide OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2022
IWF Sets Sights On 2024 After
Successful Event This Year
Atlanta, GA–The International Woodworking Fair® (IWF), North America’s
largest woodworking technology and design trade show/conference, was recently
held here at the Georgia World Congress Center. It attracted thousands of
attendees. The every-other-year event topped 1,000 exhibiting companies in 13
exhibit halls who occupied more than 1.4 million gross square feet of floor space.
The large and diverse exhibitor mix showcased products and services in more
than 542 categories that covered all key market sectors.
IWF offers the latest solutions in architectural woodwork, cabinetry, flooring,
furniture manufacturing, engineered products, doors, windows, machinery, tools,
metals, plastics and more.
Additionally, IWF is where industry professionals find educational opportunities
that allow them to help their companies improve products, work more
efficiently, expand to new markets and become more profitable.
The next IWF in Atlanta is scheduled for Aug. 20-23, 2024. n
(Front row, from left) Kenzie Hand, MiCROTEC, Corvallis, OR; Arianna Giudiceandrea,
MiCROTEC, Bressanone, Italy; and Jonna Wing, MiCROTEC, Linkoping, Sweden; (back
row, from left) Frank Jost, MiCROTEC, Bressanone, Italy; Chris Cournyer, MiCROTEC,
Corvallis, OR; and Stefan Nilsson, MiCROTEC, Linkoping, Sweden
PRSRT STD
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
COLUMBIA, MO
PERMIT NO. 353
Photos By Terry Miller
Stay up-to-date with announcements about future IWFs
by visiting www.iwfatlanta.com.
Additional photos on page 10, 12 & 14
Import/Export Wood Purchasing News
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Bangkok – The Perfect Place For AHEC
25th Southeast Asia And Greater
China Convention this October
As Thailand’s capital, largest city, and economic and
cultural hub, Bangkok is the standout choice for AHEC
25th Southeast Asia and Greater China Convention. On
October 14th, 2022, the American Hardwood Export
Council will host their first networking and educational
AHEC Convention since 2019. This event, postponed
for the last two years, will include presentations from
US hardwood industry experts covering market conditions
and opportunities in the South East Asian market,
as well as presentations targeting the local Thai industry
to promote the expanded use of American hardwood
By Michael Snow, products. This one-day event will be held at the Bangkok
Executive Director Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park on Friday October 14th,
American Hardwood
Export Council right before the VietnamWood Trade Show begins on
Sterling, VA Tuesday the 18th. With these two events, US hardwood
703-435-2900 companies are able to visit a wide range of potential
www.ahec.org
customers throughout Southeast Asia in just one week’s
time. Registration for the AHEC SE Asia Convention is
complimentary for all AHEC members.
Over the last decade, Southeast Asia has had considerable
development in middle class incomes and in the
manufacturing sector. This growing region will become
increasingly important over the next decade as a potential
production and end-use market for American hardwoods.
This is the second time that Bangkok will host an AHEC
Convention, and representatives from AHEC offices in
the USA and Hong Kong will be in attendance along with
35 US hardwood companies and other hardwood trade
members. Local representatives from Thai industry bodies including the Thai
Timber Association and the Thai Furniture Industrial Association are excited to
meet with potential suppliers of American hardwood products.
Thailand is the third biggest US hardwood lumber market in the region, following
Vietnam and Indonesia. Exports of US hardwood products to Southeast
Asia were roughly $390 million in 2021, with over $18 million to Thailand.
Through the first half of 2022, all US hardwood exports to Southeast Asia have
grown by 10% and we’ve seen excellent growth specifically in Thailand. US
hardwood lumber exports to Thailand have grown by 54% so far in 2022 from
last year. American White Oak continues to be the most popular species followed
by Western Alder, Ash, and Walnut. American Red Oak is also gaining interest in
line with other regions around the world.
The event promises a packed agenda. It will include presentations from US
experts and cover the most recent market conditions and highlight opportunities
for American timber and Southeast Asian importers, manufacturers and specifiers.
The proven environmental credentials of American hardwood species will
be a central theme for the event and provide information and insight for industry
Continued on page 20
a complete marketing and promotional support program along with a very strong
online presence, with the dealer, contractor, architect, designer and homeowner in
mind. Learn more at www.blacklabelwood.com, and www.wearetropical.com
or call 905-672-8000. Also, visit www.dakotahardwoods.com.
Frisco, Texas—NWH, headquartered here, recently announced the company
has launched a corporate rebrand that affects its name and identity, as well
as reframing the company’s positioning. The timing of the refreshed corporate
brand aligns with the significant transformation taking place across the NWH
organization. The new name, shortened from Northwest Hardwoods to NWH,
and modified identity embody the company’s commitment to the simplification
of the customer experience. The change coincides with the headquarters’ move to
Frisco, Texas and communicates NWH’s renewed sense of purpose, energy, and
enthusiasm of all its employees.
The NWH rebrand marks another major milestone in the evolution of the
nation’s largest hardwoods provider, as it continues to evolve and take a fresh and
forward-looking approach to the market. The new positioning, “Simple. Natural.
Hardwoods.” communicates NWH’s unwavering commitment to offering hardwoods
solutions that limit complexities to unlock success for our customers.
“We are committed to maintaining our place as the industry’s premier provider
of high-quality natural hardwoods and world-class service,” said Dave Brower,
Vice President of Marketing. “We’ll succeed by making every NWH experience a
rewarding experience, one that gives our customers a distinct competitive edge.”
The new brand identity comes at an important time as NWH focuses on execution
of its strategy to simplify the customer experience through innovation and
professional excellence at every customer touchpoint. The new branding will be
rolled out across the globe in the coming months.
NWH, founded in 1967, has become the leading manufacturer and supplier
Continued on page 30
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Page 28 Import/Export Wood Purchasing News n October/November 2022
Import/Export Wood Purchasing News n October/November 2022 Page 29