Sägerundholz

With weaker demand for lumber around the world, sawlog prices fell in a majority of the 21 markets tracked by the Wood Resource Quarterly (WRQ). The Global Conifer Sawlog Price Index (GSPI) declined in the 3Q for the first time since the 1Q/09.

With a few exceptions, prices fell in both local currencies and in US dollar terms. The only region that saw any substantial price increase in the 3Q was British Columbia, where prices were up 5-7 percent from the 2Q. This region has benefited from higher lumber exports and production has gone up during 2011.

As part of FLEGT Asia’s information collection role, a number of forest governance, markets and trade Baseline Studies have been carried out in the region. This study is done for Lao PDR.

Please click here to download in English Language.

Keywords: International forest products markets, c. National Policy & Legislation, e. Deforestation & Degradation Drivers, Other Publications, Asia, EU, FLEGT, Lao PDR, Laos, timber, VPA

This report provides a number of illustrated maps giving an overview of the timber trade flows in Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam and their respective trading partners. The maps provide information on the import and export in value as well as volume (RWE). In addition, there are a number of maps summarising the regional Mekong trade flows. One part of these maps pictures the Mekong as one entity where exports and imports are combined. The other maps show a complete picture with all internal trade in this region.

Södra's profit for the first half was 577 million SEK (1084 million in the same period last year) representing a return on capital of 11 percent (21). The lower operating income at -507 million is explained due to 15 percent higher wood costs that affect earnings negatively by 624 MSEK. - The exception was the sawmill industry, where the market is in a deep slump, but the conditions in the first half was good, says CEO Leif Broden. The turnaround for new construction is delayed in the U.S. and Europe.

High inventory levels in Chinese ports have now converted to a lowering of in-market (CFR) pricing for New Zealand logs. A similar situation occurred this time last year when China was importing what were then record volumes of logs. In the January to April 2011 period China imported over 9 million cubic metres of softwood logs which was 33% more than the same period in 2010. Prices in 2010 peaked in April at just over US$140/JASm3 for a KS log. In 2011, prices appear to have peaked in May at close to US$160/JASm3.