|
After a sharp decline in global demand for lumber in 2008 and 2009 as a result of the
global recession, global trade of softwood lumber increased an estimated 25 percent over
the past two years. The Middle East/North African region has had a growing appetite
for lumber for its construction sector; and the region imported 36 % more lumber in
2010 than in 2007. This steady upward trend was interrupted last year when the Egyptian
revolution, the civil war in Libya and riots in Algeria created temporary chaos and
uncertainty in the region.
Lumber prices in the US and Canada have gone up most of this year, reaching their
highest levels since early 2011. Lumber prices, both domestic and imported, have fallen
steadily for over six months in Japan in dollar terms, and many grades are at their lowest
levels since early 2010.
Lumber prices, both domestic and imported, have fallen steadily for over six months in
Japan in dollar terms, and many grades are at the lowest levels seen since early 2010.
Softwood lumber imports to China were up three percent in the 1Q/12 as compared to
the 1Q/11. The biggest increase the past few years has been in shipments from Canada.
Source: Wood Resource Quarterly
|
