Japan: Plywood market trends
The plywood market in Japan has seen tough times in
2009 and to end the year things got worse as the bottom
fell out of the market for softwood plywood. In December
prices were falling day after day. The JLR suggests it is
too early yet to tell what the first quarter market is likely
to be like.
Some Japanese manufactures have been cutting back
production to try and stabilise the market but others have
continued production and have been selling at very low
prices.
The JLR is reporting that, despite the weak demand in
Japan, some wholesalers have been seeking concrete
formboard after reports emerged that Malaysian suppliers
where cutting formboard shipments because of the low
prices in Japan and profitable alternative markets in other
countries.
Freight rates likely up
The JLR is speculating that freight rates may be increased substantially in the near future. The indications are that the availability of west bound containers on the west coast of N. America is becoming a problem. The weak dollar has resulted in a decline in west bound containers but an increase in eastbound cargo, hence the shortage.
Demand projections for N. American timber
In mid Dec the Japan Lumber Conference released projections of demand for 2010. Japan’s demand for logs is expected to rise by around 3% while lumber demand is forecast to be up 7% for the year.
Promotion of legal timber
The JLR is reporting that the All Japan Federation of Lumber Associations ended 2009 with a symposium to promote procurement of legally certified wood. This was the 4th such symposium to deliver information on how the private sector in Japan is tackling the illegal timber issue. The Keynote speech at the year end meeting was delivered by the former Executive Director of ITTO Dr. B.C.Y. Freezailah.
Japan’s green housing
In a recent economic stimulus package the Japanese government created incentives for sustainable homes. Home owners who opt for eco-friendly and thermally efficient homes will earn so-called eco-points which can be exchanged for gift certificates, prepaid cards for public transport or merchandise. New houses with double glazing and insulation can earn the so-called ‘eco-points’.
Japan
Log and Sawnwood Prices in Japan
Wholesale Prices (Tokyo)
Freight rates likely up
The JLR is speculating that freight rates may be increased substantially in the near future. The indications are that the availability of west bound containers on the west coast of N. America is becoming a problem. The weak dollar has resulted in a decline in west bound containers but an increase in eastbound cargo, hence the shortage.
Demand projections for N. American timber
In mid Dec the Japan Lumber Conference released projections of demand for 2010. Japan’s demand for logs is expected to rise by around 3% while lumber demand is forecast to be up 7% for the year.
Promotion of legal timber
The JLR is reporting that the All Japan Federation of Lumber Associations ended 2009 with a symposium to promote procurement of legally certified wood. This was the 4th such symposium to deliver information on how the private sector in Japan is tackling the illegal timber issue. The Keynote speech at the year end meeting was delivered by the former Executive Director of ITTO Dr. B.C.Y. Freezailah.
Japan’s green housing
In a recent economic stimulus package the Japanese government created incentives for sustainable homes. Home owners who opt for eco-friendly and thermally efficient homes will earn so-called eco-points which can be exchanged for gift certificates, prepaid cards for public transport or merchandise. New houses with double glazing and insulation can earn the so-called ‘eco-points’.
Log and Sawnwood Prices in Japan
| Plywood,
FOB Georgetown Port |
$ Avg unit val. per m3 |
| Baromalli
BB/CC 5.5mm |
- |
|
12mm
|
387⇓
|
|
Utility
5.5mm
|
- |
|
12mm
|
- |
| Logs for Ply
Manufacture, CIF Meranti (Hill, Sarawak) |
Yen per Koku (koku=0.278 m3) |
|
Medium Mixed
|
6,400 |
|
Standard Mixed
|
6,600 |
|
Small Log (SM60%,
SSM40%)
|
6,400 |
| Taun, Calophyllum, others (PNG) |
7,500 |
| Mixed light hardwood, G3/4 grade
(PNG) |
- |
| Keruing MQ & up (Sarawak) |
10,800 |
| Kapur MQ & up (Sarawak) |
8,900 |
| Logs
for
Sawmilling,
CIF |
Yen per Koku |
| Melapi (Sarawak) High Select |
11,500 |
| Agathis (Sarawak) High Select |
- |
| Lumber,
FOB |
Yen per m3 |
| White Seraya (Sabah) 24x150mm,
4m, Grade 1 |
135,000 |
| Mixed Seraya, Sangi 24x48mm,
1.8-4m, S2S |
53,000 |
Wholesale Prices (Tokyo)
| Indonesian & Malaysian Plywood | Size (mm) |
Oct
|
Nov
|
|
(¥ per sheet)
|
|||
| 2.4mm (thin plywood, F 4star, type 2 ) | 920 X 1830 | 320 |
320
|
| 3.7mm (med. Thickness, F 4star, type1) | 910 X 1820 |
460
|
450
|
| 5.2mm (med. Thickness, F 4star, type 1) | 910 X 1820 |
550
|
560
|
| 11.5mm for sheathing (F 4star, type 2) | 910 X 1820 |
880
|
880
|
| 12mm for foundation (F 4star, special) | 910 X 1820 |
890
|
850
|
| 12mm concrete-form ply (JAS) | 900 X 1800 |
820
|
790
|
| 12m coated concrete-form ply (JAS) | 900 X 1800 |
930
|
890
|
| 11.5mm flooring board | 945 X 1840 |
1070
|
1070
|
| 3.6mm baseboard for overlays (OVL) | 1230 X 2440 |
740
|
740
|
| OSB (North American) | |
||
| 12mm foundation of roof (JAS) | 910 X 1820 |
1000
|
1000
|
| 9mm foundation for 2 by 4 (JAS) | 910 X 2440 |
1050
|
1050
|
| 9mm conventional foundation (JAS) | 910 X 2730 |
1250
|
1250
|
| 9mm conventional foundation (JAS) | 910 X 3030 |
1350
|
1350
|