Tropical timber specialist Rougier saw its 2010 sales jump 11.2% to €138.7m.

The company confirmed its forecast for positive net profits for the full year.

Rougier said business grew at a strong rate in the fourth quarter, with sales up 20.5% on a year ago to €40.5m.

The main Africa and international trade division recorded sales of €108.5m for the full year, up 9.9% on 2009, with the fourth quarter showing a “clear acceleration of growth” to 25.4%.

Processed timber products made up 73.2% of revenues, compared with 60.4% in 2009, driven by increased activity at sawmill units which were partially shut down in 2009.

Sawn timber sales were up 40.5%, representing 47.7% of sales (2009: 37.6%).

Plywood sales grew 25.7%, accounting for 25.8% of sales, while log sales were down by 24.8%, reflecting the full impact of the Gabon log export ban.

Rougier saw a 22% growth in its European business, with a sales contraction in Asia of 25%.

Full-year profits will be disclosed on March 29.