Asia - Page 2
Stay up to date with the latest Asia updates from the global ttj industryA Woodmart for the world Malaysia’s Global Woodmart promises to be bigger, better and more international in 2012. Mike Jeffree reports
Russian mills raise their game with quality supply Demand for Russian timber is holding up in a tough global market, and what many mills are supplying is top quality
Russian shippers adopt bullish stance Russian shipments to the UK are arriving after severe winter conditions caused delays. Russian mills’ inventories are on the low side, while in the UK, terminal operators are tightly controlling redwood stocks
Softwood mills safe from forest fires Russian softwood shipments are available, at a price, but British buyers are taking a cautious approach to the forward market
Russian output limited As Russia’s timber industry recovers slightly this year shippers will favour the best-priced markets
Importers buy forward but fear shippers may cut prices UK supplies of Russian softwood are tight and fewer major quay operators are landing full cargoes
Importers buy little and often to control stocks UK importers are delaying buying full cargoes from Russia in the hope that they can balance their specifications from Scandinavia and manage stock levels down until demand improves
Exports steady but rates rise could rock the boat Russian trade is doing well in the current climate but proposed changes to business rates in the UK is another pressure for buyers
Russian volumes build Russian timber traders have returned from holiday to find whitewood prices still relatively weak and redwood holding firm. Two factors will determine the pricing structure in the first quarter: production and currency exchange rates
Production curb necessary to keep check on supply The Russian softwood market mirrors the situation across the rest of northern Europe, with whitewood prices weakening due to oversupply and redwood still holding firm. UK importers are battling against each other for business, and to reduce their stock levels
Complexity grows in Russian market With further price increases for redwood expected, the Russian market for joinery grades is set to remain firm. But carcassing whitewood prices have weakened as volumes of lower grade Canadian lumber have entered the Mediterranean market
Mild weather cools Russian supplies Milder winter weather is affecting Russian logging schedules and it could impact on supplies for the rest of the year
Shortages force importers to act quickly Demand for Russian timber is outstripping supply, and what is available often goes to markets prepared to pay more than the UK
Shortages force interest in forward business Since the time when Exportles was the state controlling agent for wood exports, the Russian timber market has undergone many transitions. With many of the mills struggling to finance running costs and to pay for raw material in the free market, closures and reduced production blighted the industry.
Russian forestry still in need of structural reform Official figures show output rising in most parts of Russia's forest products sector. But industry and fiscal reform is still needed to boost long-term prospects
Putin rules out privatisation of Russia's forests There have been so many amendments to Russia's Forest Code – including decisions on forest ownership – that some say it is unworkable, but the government still plans to have it adopted by the end of the year
Structural problems still hampering Russia Few industry observers are feeling positive about the Russian timber industry as the rate of growth continues to slow
Disappointment as 2004 fails to fulfill expectations The small boom in Russia's timber industry had evaporated by the end of the year and the country's new forest code is blamed, in part, for the slower growth
Proposed Forestry Code continues to cause divisions The government believes the new Forestry Code will make Russia a world leader but the timber industry has other views
