Timber industry research & analytics Russian softwood lumber prices continue to fall on global markets
During January-April 2015, the price of Russian softwood lumber fell by 23% (yoy) to an average of $134 per cubic metre (average price on the Russian border). The volume of exports increased by 4% (yoy) to 7.3 million cubic metres, WhatWood agency reports.
China, the largest buyer of Russian softwood lumber, increased purchases by 15% to 2.9 million cubic metres, with an average price of $111 per cubic metre, which is 14% lower than in January-April 2014.
The most dramatic reduction of prices for Russian timber is observed in the Egyptian market. The prices are declining steadily since May 2014. The average price for the first four months of 2015 was $163 per cubic metre, which is 22% lower than in January-April 2014. Lower prices in the Egyptian market are largely due to the excess supply, as deliveries from Russia increased by 17% (yoy) to 628,000 m3.
Decline in volumes and prices continues also at another major market for Russian producers, which is Japan. For Jan-Apr 2015, exports have fallen by 9% (yoy) to 298,000 m3, while prices dived 22% to $268 per cubic metre.
