TTJ Internation Timber Market News

Softwood demand remains weak but as sterling strengthens against the euro UK timber may lose its advantage

A sharp rise in container freight rates is likely to result in the UK importing less plywood from the Far East. Meanwhile OSB prices have softened although producers’ costs are rising

OSB prices are softening

In March building materials purchases rose at their fastest for over years

Global economic problems continue to impact on demand for pallets

The recent weather may have rained on fencing sales but manufacturers are still basking in the upturn in January

Thanks to the great British weather the domestic timber sector got off to a flying start this year and business is looking good through to the summer

First-quarter sales have held up well but MFC is selling better than other products

Swedish sawmills are satisfied with sales volumes but it’s sale prices, and their impact on profitability, that are cause for concern

Investments in recent years have beefed up Russia’s sawn timber and panels production but once the log tariff is reduced the industry’s modernisation may well slow

The relative strength of the German economy means the country’s sawmills are focusing their efforts on the domestic front

MDF prices are being cut by some in the sector with others hoping the practice will stop before it becomes a downward spiral

Social housing cuts are hitting timber frame, but other markets offer some relief and suppliers are still optimistic about longer-term prospects

Production cuts in Finland have brought some balance to the market

African producers have benefited from stable log prices and higher sawn lumber revenues but there is some uncertainty as the second quarter approaches, and the Eurozone’s unresolved economic problems are not helping

UK importers and merchants are buying and selling increasing volumes of home-grown timber but still look to the Baltics for carcassing material. However, raw material is in short supply

The UK OSB sector is faring better than its European counterpart

Chinese plywood continues to dominate the UK market

Amid the economic gloom there is some good news for the UK timber industry