Analysis of recent state forest administration and some private auctions show prices of oak logs for boule and stave production up 10-15% on autumn 2005.
The sharpest rise have come in prices for oak for square edge lumber and timber frame which show rises of 15-25% over the year.
Demand has also led to increases in prices of hardwoods for railway sleeper and packaging applications, small diameter logs in beech and other species for use as wood fuel and standard white beech logs for staircase and veneer production.
According to the FNB, its members are continuing to express concern about supply and it expects further price rises through the rest of this year into the first half of 2007.
