Global timber market review #2-2016

– In 2014, the DIY/home improvement world market turnover reached €424.85 bn. According to Fordaq quoting a report from the European Federation of DIY manufacturers (Fediyma), North America, with €269.6 bn, represents more than 63% of the world market, Europe with €130.25 bn stands for 30.7%, Asia and the Pacific region with €16.65 bn represent 3.9% of the global volume with Japan, Australia and New Zealand being the most active markets in this part of the world.

– The reduction in housing construction in China has resulted in a substantial decline in the importation of forest products during 2015, reports the Wood Resource Quarterly (WRQ). The total value of imported softwood logs and lumber has fallen 25% and import prices have declined almost 30%. This has been a consequence of the slowdown in the Chinese economy, which has not only reduced construction activities but also consumer spending on home remodeling and furniture.

– Manzhouli Customs has reported that between January and November 2015 sawnwood imports through the port rose 18% to RMB4.66 billion, up 12% from the same period in 2014.

– Swedish exports of sawn and planed softwood were up 5% in January-October 2015 compared with the same period 2014, according to TTJ quoting Statistics Sweden. Total sawn and planed exports to the UK, Sweden’s largest export market, were up 4.9% to 2.325 million m3.

– Swedish company Bergs Timber has applied for a new permit to expand capacity of impregnated wood at its plant in Nybro, Sweden. The new permit allows an extended capacity of up to 500,000 m3 per year.

– Jarl Timber, a subsidiary of Norvik Timber Industries, has made a decision to start an investment programme to increase the sawmill’s efficiency. The programme started in January 2016 and during the first year will total about €1 million.

More detailed review of global market trends of roundwood, lumber, wood panels and pellets as well as news of the Russian timber industry; exclusive articles and interviews; over 25 pages of price charts are available in our digital Russian Timber Journal.