Parkside Group, a Queensland-based, sawmilling and timber manufacturing, announced on Wednesday, May 11, 2022, that it was ceasing operations at its Greenbushes timber mill located in Western Australia’s (WA) South West Region. The mill’s last day of operation was scheduled for just 2-days after the announcement was made.
News in international markets
New Zealand’s Timber Export Trade Potentially Disrupted by Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine
Amid sanctions, Russia is looking to expand its export of timber to non-sanctioning countries. Two of those non-sanctioning countries, China and Vietnam, are currently significant volume purchasers of New Zealand timber.
War in Ukraine Sending Shockwaves Through Australian Construction Sector
Australia’s construction sector was struggling with labor shortages, supply chain issues, and inflation prior Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. However, the military conflict is adding yet another layer of complexity and turbulence to building efforts in the country. Last year, Australia imported $80 million worth of wood products from Russia.
First Movement of Welsh Timber via Rail Since 2005 Successfully Completed
The last time a freight train carrying Welsh timber left Aberystwyth, Wales, heading through Newton and Welshpool, was 2005. That is until recently, as a trial was just conducted to see if regular freight traffic can return on the Cambrian line.
U.S. Wood Pellet Exports Increase Month-Over-Month and Year-Over-Year in March 2022
According to data released on Wednesday (5-4-22) by United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Foreign Agricultural Service, the U.S. exported 801,396.9 metric tons of wood pellets in March, up from 628,659.8 metric tons of wood pellets in February. This is a year-over-year increase of 667,309 metric tons.
Slowing UK Housing and RM&I Markets Return Timber Imports to Pre-pandemic Levels
According to the latest Timber Development UK (TDUK) statistics, a slower UK housing and RM&I market in Q1 2022 is being reflected in the timber import volumes. TDUK data shows that while timber import volumes are nearly -20% below February 2021 levels, they remain modestly above pre-pandemic levels of February 2020.
HS Timber Group Expands Product Portfolio with Acquisition of Finnish Sawmiller Luvian Saha Oy
HS Timber Group, one of Europe’s leading wood processing companies with exports destinations to over 70 countries, announced it is expanding its product portfolio with its acquisition of 100% of the shares in the Finnish sawmill Luvian Saha Oy, whose products are known under the brand name “Luvia Wood.”
Brazilian Exports of Wood-Based Products Increased 30% Year-Over-Year in March 2022
According to the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO), in March 2022, the value of Brazilian exports of wood-based products (excluding pulp and paper) increased 30% in value compared to February 2021. Pine sawnwood exports grew significantly, rising 51% in value between March 2021 and March 2022.
U.S. Dept. of Commerce Extends Deadline for Final Conclusion on Anti-Dumping Probe of Hardwood Plywood Imported From Vietnam
Vietnam says the U.S. Department of Commerce has announced an extension of its deadline for its final conclusion on the anti-dumping and anti-subsidy tax evasion investigation into hardwood plywood imported into the U.S. from Vietnam.
Stora Enso Announces Sale of Two Sawmills and Forest Operations in Russia to Local Management
Uncertain about its future in Russia, Stora Enso, the Finland-based forestry firm, announced on Monday (4-25-22) that it will be selling its two sawmills, one in Karelia and the other in Novgorod, along with the Russian forest operation that supplies wood to both mills to local management. The mills have an annual capacity of 350,000 cubic meters.