Central/West Africa: FOB prices largely unchanged
Although details of the log export ban in Gabon have not
yet been totally finalised, the log markets have remained
remarkably calm. The prospect of the loss of such a major
player from the log market has not resulted, as yet, in
noticeable price movements for logs.
Price changes that have been recorded over the past four to six weeks have more to do with improved demand from Europe. However these increases are built on a very low level of demand and are still very moderate. Better demand in China and India has also supported the modest movement in prices.
Return of S. African buyers
Analysts report that South African importers allowed timber stocks to run low and have now returned to the market and are actively buying sawn Okoume. This has encouraged sawmillers in Congo Brazzaville and Gabon to raise prices and there are indications that sawn Okoume prices will continue upwards into the second quarter.
Clarification also is awaited on details of the log export situation in Cameroon. There has been relaxation on exports of lesser know species and, more recently, some indication that special dispensations may be made in respect of prime timbers.
Currently, production across W. Africa is relatively low because of the rain season, so finalising a firm decision in log exports in Cameroon is not so urgent.
Central/West Africa
Price changes that have been recorded over the past four to six weeks have more to do with improved demand from Europe. However these increases are built on a very low level of demand and are still very moderate. Better demand in China and India has also supported the modest movement in prices.
Return of S. African buyers
Analysts report that South African importers allowed timber stocks to run low and have now returned to the market and are actively buying sawn Okoume. This has encouraged sawmillers in Congo Brazzaville and Gabon to raise prices and there are indications that sawn Okoume prices will continue upwards into the second quarter.
Clarification also is awaited on details of the log export situation in Cameroon. There has been relaxation on exports of lesser know species and, more recently, some indication that special dispensations may be made in respect of prime timbers.
Currently, production across W. Africa is relatively low because of the rain season, so finalising a firm decision in log exports in Cameroon is not so urgent.
| West Africa logs, FOB | € per m³ | ||
| Asian market |
LM
|
B
|
BC/C
|
| Acajou/ Khaya/N'Gollon |
205
|
205
|
153
|
| Ayous/Obéché/Wawa |
190
|
190
|
145
|
| Azobe & Ekki |
190
|
190
|
125
|
| Belli |
230
|
230
|
-
|
| Bibolo/Dibétou |
140
|
130
|
|
| Bubinga |
550
|
490
|
390
|
| Iroko |
257
|
250
|
200
|
| Okoume (60% CI, 40% CE, 20% CS) |
200
|
-
|
-
|
| Moabi |
270
|
270
|
206
|
| Movingui |
165
|
135
|
125
|
| Niove |
130
|
130
|
-
|
| Okan |
220
|
220
|
122
|
| Padouk |
315
|
295
|
235
|
| Sapele |
200
|
195
|
150
|
| Sipo/Utile |
260
|
240
|
190
|
| Tali |
230
|
225
|
114
|
| Okoume |
C1 160 |
CE150 |
CS115 |
| West Africa sawnwood, FOB |
€ per m³
|
|
| Ayous | FAS GMS |
300
|
| Okoumé | FAS GMS |
325 ⇑
|
| FAS. fixed sizes |
325 ⇑
|
|
| Std/Btr GMS |
265 ⇑
|
|
| Sipo | FAS GMS |
475
|
| FAS fixed sizes | 320 |
|
| FAS scantlings |
490
|
|
| Padouk | FAS GMS |
540
|
| FAS scantlings |
430
|
|
| Strips |
300
|
|
| Sapele | FAS Spanish sizes |
360
|
| FAS scantlings |
460
|
|
| Iroko | FAS GMS |
430
|
| Scantlings |
440
|
|
| Strips |
350
|
|
| Khaya | FAS GMS |
380
|
| FAS fixed |
420
|
|
| Maobi | FAS GMS |
415
|
| Scantlings |
440
|
|
| Movingui | FAS GMS |
270
|