Increased competition weighed on margins, while the business was also burdened by additional operational costs associated with a poorer logistics and industrial performance in Africa.
But measures put into action by the company enabled the recovery of the forestry production and plywood operations.
Low productivity in sawmills, the increase in certain operating expenses, and the decision of Gabonese authorities to temporarily stop the operation of a wood species with high added value, impacted results.
But Rougier said results were positive in Cameroon and Congo, despite significant logistical additional costs for chronic under-capacity at the port of Douala (Cameroon).
In France, the results of the import-distribution division improved in a competitive market.
