Poland sighting the need to clear roads and protect trees from the spruce bark beetle has announced it plans to resume logging in the former Bialowieza Forest.
News in international markets
Belarusian Sawmill Kimabel to Add New Timber Sorting Line
The installation of a new timber sorting line, costing as much €3 million, is the latest step in the modernization of the woodworking enterprise OOO KimaBel in Polotsk District, Vitebsk Oblast. The sophisticated timber conversion line can process even round wood that has defects.
Brazilian Exports of Wood-Based Products Increased 22.8% Year-Over-Year in January 2021
According to the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO), the value of Brazilian exports of wood-based products (except pulp and paper) in January 2021 amounted to US$253.6 million, an increase of 22.8% when compared to January 2020, when they were valued at US$206.6 million.
New Support Program to Help with Modernization of German Timber Industry
The new support program for the modernization of the German timber industry, which is being administered by the German Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL), went into effect on Thursday, March 4, 2021. According to the BMEL, one of new programs aims to promote investments in the value-preserving or value-enhancing use of damaged wood and in the promotion of the use of wood as a building material.
Australia’s February Home Prices Increase at a Pace Last Seen in August 2003
CoreLogic is reporting that Australian homes prices in February 2021, rose at a pace not seen since August of 2003. As government incentives and record low borrowing rates drew more buyers into the housing market and raised concerns about them overheating. The CoreLogic data showed national home prices rose 2.1% in February, from January when they added 0.9%.
China Extends Tariff Exemptions on Hardwood Logs and Lumber Products
In a note to its members, the National Hardwood Lumber Association reports that China has agreed to extend tariff exemptions on 65 imported products from the United States. Seven hardwood log and lumber products have made that list.
James Jones & Sons Ltd Announces Purchase of GT Timber Ltd
James Jones & Sons Ltd, the UK’s largest privately owned sawmill, timber engineering and pallet manufacturing company, has announced the purchase of GT Timber Ltd, the holding company of Taylormade Timber Products Ltd and Kerr Timber Products Ltd which operate sawmill facilities at Sherburn Hill, Durham and Annan.
Timber Begins Shipping from Kangaroo Island Even While the Smith Bay Port Project Remains in Limbo
The window of opportunity for salvaging and shipping timber impacted by last year’s Australian bushfires is quickly approaching. Kangaroo Island Plantation Timber (KIPT) needs to move both fresh and damaged crop off the island and to the mainland.
Sveza Adds Second CNC Machine to St. Petersburg Russia Mill
Sveza, one of the world leaders in birch plywood production, has installed a second CNC machine at its St. Petersburg, Russia mill. The new CNC machine has programed numerical controls and a distinctive feature of the new CNC machine is its ability to perform operations with plywood of large and non-standard formats.
China’s Log Ban on Australian Logs Shows Need for Pulp and Paper Mill in the South
Australia is facing an unusual problem with finding a home for much of their below sawmill standard logs. These logs include those cut down in plantation thinning, are piling up in regional areas further south as operators avoid the cost of carting them to once-busy port stockyards.