In what is shaping up to be the biggest forestry deal in the “Green Triangle” region since South Australia privatized its forestry assets in a $670 million deal in 2012.
News in international markets
China’s Ban on Australian Timber and other Products is Taking its Toll on Green Triangle Region and its Seaport Economy
The recent shipment ban put into place by China on Australian timber (logs), coal and other agricultural and seafood products is already having a significant impact on the Green Triangle region and its seaport economy.
Arbor Forest Products U.K. Expanding its North Lincolnshire Premises with Advanced Planning Line
Arbor Forest Products, a leading timber importer and timber products manufacturer has announced that it is investing £6 million in expanding its North Lincolnshire premises to incorporate what is set be one of the most advanced sawmill planning lines in the UK.
New Best Wood Schneider Sawmill in Messkirch Germany to Feature Valutec OTC Continuous Kilns
Best Wood Schneider has announced they are investing approximately 80 million Euros in a greenfield sawmill project in Messkirch Germany. When completed in early 2022, the mill will be one of Europe’s most modern sawmills with an annual capacity of 200,000 m3 or 85,000 MBF of sawn lumber.
Ireland’s Largest Pallet Manufacturer CJ Sheeran Ltd. Buys Coolrain Sawmill Ltd
CJ Sheeran Ltd has announced that they have acquired Coolrain Sawmill Ltd. The facilities are less than 10km apart from each other in County Laois, with one located in Mountrath and the other in Coolrain.
Craigpine Timber Ltd. Sold to Niagara Sawmilling Company Ltd.
Craigpine Timber Ltd., a 98-year old, major Southland New Zealand sawmilling company, owned by the Black family, has agreed to sell their business to Niagara Sawmilling Company Ltd., another local timber processing company.
China’s Ban on Australian Forest Products Could Actually Boost Green Triangle Processing Industry
According to one Australian forestry sector representative, China’s indefinite suspension of timber exported out Australia’s Victoria region could actually help boost Green Triangle’s processing industry. Industry sources estimate the Green Triangle timber export industry underpins around 1,000 jobs in the south-east of South Australia (SA) and western Victoria.
Kenya Faces Shortage of Timber Just as the Country’s Needs Increase
Kenya’s demand for wood and wood products is increasing faster than their outdated sawmills and lack of forestlands can produce. A logging ban, imposed in 2018 by the Kenyan government, which applies only to government owned land, which is mainly mahogany, cypress and eucalyptus, which was meant to help regenerate its forests has made the situation even more dire, albeit needed.
Trade Hostilities Between Australia and China Intensify
China officially announced a ban of logs shipped from Victoria.
China Suspends the Importation of Timber from Australia
Ties between China and Australia began to fray in early April and the friction between the two countries continues to heat up. On Monday (11/2), China’s foreign ministry confirmed that China had suspended imports of timber from the Australian state of Queensland, noting that since January, Chinese customs has detected several cases of live pest in timbers imported from the region.