Ghana timber export permits down by 30%

Ghanaian timber export permits were down by nearly 30% in the third quarter, according to the International Tropical Timber Organisation’s latest market report.

The permits cover export of timber and wood products through the ports of Takoradi and Tema, as well as overland exports to neighbouring countries.

Lumber permits reduced by 45.3% to 564, while plywood increased 3% to 279. Mouldings permits dipped by 13.5%, boules fell 35.3%, flooring was down by 73.3%, while blockboard permits suffered a 50% reverse.

Permits issued in Kumasi fell from 622 in the second quarter to just 155, which could be due to the elimination of chainsaw lumber exports.

Lumber export permits represented 45% of total permits, making it the largest timber export product, followed by plywood.