The Real Estate Institute of New Zealand is reporting that in spite of the COVID-19 pandemic and the predictions of a decline in housing values and sales, in June housing prices increased nationally 9.2%, while sales volume grew by 7%.
News in international markets
New Zealand Experiencing a Sharp Fall in Log Prices
New Zealand is currently reporting a sharp fall in log prices. Evan MacClure, a Timaru-based director for Forest Management (FM) said “an estimated 30% drop in price” will impact both companies and contractors.
Worldwide Residential Sales Activity Continues to Accelerate
Knight Frank, a global real estate consulting firm, is reporting in their latest Global Property Index (GPI) that in spite of continuing localized outbreaks of the COVID-19 virus, many global cities are reporting that the sales volume of residential properties continues to improve.
Koskisen to Invest 35 – 40 Million €s in Sawmill in Järvelä, Finland
Koskisen, a Finnish wood industry company, has announced it is planning to make a substantial investment in a sawmill in Järvelä, Finland.
COVID-19 Pandemic’s Impact on European Plywood Markets Not as Severe as Initially Feared
According to ITTO, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the European plywood markets has proven to be less severe than the originally feared.
Brazilian Exports of Wood-Based Products Decline 13.5% in May
According to the International Tropical Timber Organization the value of Brazilian exports of wood-based products (except pulp and paper) dropped 13.5% in May to $236.3 million, when compared to May 2019 , $ 273.3 million.
The Segezha Group’s Vyatka plywood mill in Kirov, Russia Experiences Production Quality Improvements
The Segezha Group’s Vyatka plywood mill in Kirov, Russia was experiencing a critical defect on the high-grade veneer the plant was producing.
International Accreditation Service® Announces Additional Requirements for Testing of Brazilian Plywood Being Imported into the U.S.
The International Accreditation Service® (IAS) announced, on Friday 6/19, additional requirements for IAS-accredited organizations conducting inspections or testing of plywood products manufactured in Brazil.
Trade Tensions Between China and Canada Increase and Logs this time are at the Forefront
Trade tensions between China and Canada have once again heated up and now logs are at forefront of a new dispute between the two countries.
Canfor Announces Vida Group, a Subsidiary, to Acquire 3 Sawmills from Bergs Timber in Sweden
Canfor Corporation announced on Wednesday 6-17, Vida Group, has entered into an agreement to purchase three sawmills located in Sweden from Bergs Timber for a purchase price of CAD$43 million plus working capital.