The Global Sawlog Price Index, based on prices across 20 world regions, rose for the fourth consecutive quarter in Q2 to reach US$86.60/m3. The index has risen 5.1% year-on-year.
Despite the overall lift, prices fluctuated across different regions, with North America and Oceania seeing price growth while prices declined in Europe.
Regions exporting to China – such as the western US, western Canada and New Zealand – saw the biggest log price increases.
Douglas fir and hemlock sawlogs in the western US went up 21% and 15% respectively in Q2, compared to a year ago.
Log and lumber exports from North America to Asia also reached a high point in the quarter, with more than US$700m worth of products shipped over the Pacific Ocean.