world news - 06.10.2003
West Africa Sawnwood Prices
Once again, no price changes have been observed over the past month and traders are saying the market is very dull. Sawnwood buyers and importers in Germany, France, Belgium and Italy report they do not foresee any change in market conditions during the fourth quarter. One large Dutch importer is said to be closing its own selling organizations in UK and France and will in future sell through only through agents.
Sawmills in Gabon and Cameroon still report difficulties and some are on-selling some of their logs to mills which do not have export quotas just to maintain cash flows and stay afloat. Under these conditions they say it is hard to build up financial reserves to finance new machinery purchases and plant modernization. Log stocks at mills are more than adequate and current production is moderate but sufficient for markets in Europe and Asia. Unfortunately the much anticipated surge in purchases for winter stocks has not materialized.
See also:
- — West African Log Prices
- — US Hardwood Exports Continue To Improve
- — US Residential Construction in August
- — New Sawmills in Russia
- — Japan: First Half Panel Supply
