European Timber News

Japan Lumber Journal continues publications about European Timber market in April, 2009.

The amount of European softwood lumber products received in April 2009 decreased to 177,800 cubic meters, a 2.0% decrease compared to the previous month. Compared to last year, though the growth rate decreased, the amount received increased by 9.1% showing the recovery trend continuously. As products prices of common lumber and connected post bottomed out, if the movement of goods would occur even in small amount, prices would turn upward.

Looking at it based on country, the amount received was 69,000 cubic meters from Sweden, 57,300 cubic meters from Finland, 15,450 cubic meters from Austria, 12,850 cubic meters from Romania, 8,000 cubic meters from Latvia, 8,000 cubic meters from Germany, and 7,200 cubic meters from other countries. The amount received from Sweden exceeded that from Finland again in this month. Compared to the previous month, the amount received from Germany increased largely by 33.5%. Compared to the previous year, the amount received from Romania, Austria and Finland decreased, while those from Sweden, Germany and Latvia increased.

The amount of laminated lumber received from Europe in April was 33,100 cubic meters, a 14.7% increase compared to the previous month and a 29.1% increase compared to last year. The arrival of laminated lumber has been favorable in recovery trend. Based on country, the amount received was 11,900 cubic meters from Austria and 11,800 cubic meters from Finland. The amount received from Sweden was 2,100 cubic meters, and the amount received from “other countries” including Germany was 7,200 cubic meters.

The overall price (CIF Japan Port) of European lumber products in April increased by 2.6% to 30,570 yen per cubic meter from 29,796 yen in the previous month. It fell 23.2% compared to last year having strong competitiveness yet in Japanese market. Based on the leading countries, the price was 34,807 yen from Austria, 29,339 yen from Finland, 28,453 yen from Sweden. Compared to the previous month, prices of Finland and Sweden increased about 3%, while that of Austria decreased 5.5%. Compared to the previous year, the price was a 25.1% fall for Sweden, a 22.0% fall for Finland and an 18.3% fall for Austria.

The price of structural laminated lumber was 47,066 yen per cubic meter, a 3.1% fell from 48,558 yen in the previous month. Compared to last year, the price was a 12.1% decrease. The prices of Austrian products and Finnish Products were 47,821 yen and 47,255 yen, a 5.3% fell and leveling-off from the previous month respectively. The price of Finnish products decreased by 15.0% from the previous year with no sign of recovery.

Informational resource: JLJ