The German log market has been extremely unpredictable during the first half of 2020. The year started with high demand from the export market and the supply of fresh green logs in tight supply.
News in international markets
Construction Activity Accelerated in July in the United Kingdom
Construction activity in the United Kingdom in July accelerated, led by another strong showing in housebuilding. New orders increased for the second month in a row, as lockdown measures eased, and jobsite activity was able to restart.
COVID-19 Pandemic Slows Global Construction Activity in Q2 of 2020
According to the latest RICS Global Construction Monitor for Q2 2020, construction activity contracted across all region in Q2 due to the lockdowns to control the spread of the COVID-19 virus and the impact of social distancing on jobsite activity.
Brazilian Exports of Wood Products Decline Further in June 2020
The International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO) is reporting that Brazilian exports of wood products (with the exception of pulp and paper) declined -8.5% year-over-year in June 2020.
Belarus Increases Exports of Cut Timber to China
In the first half of 2020, Belarus, working with Bellesexport and the Belarusian Universal Commodity Exchange Team has shipped 9 container trains, or just over 500 containers of cut timber to China.
Canada’s Lack of Log Exports to Japan Could be First Documented Violation of the Trans-Pacific Partnership
In spite of a side deal to the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), intended to ensure stable supply, log exports from Canada to Japan have dropped significantly in recent months.
TopHat Enters into 5-year Agreement with BoKlok to Build 200 New Affordable Homes in UK
The United Kingdom’s provider of affordable homes BoKlok UK, which is jointly owned by Skanska and Ikea, has announced the appointment of TopHat to construct its first houses in the UK.
Russian Sawn Wood Exports Down -9.8% Year-On-Year for the Period of January – May 2020
According to data provided by the RF Federal Customs Services, Russia’s exports of sawn goods were down -9.8% year-on-year for the period of January – May 2020.
Vietnam Forestry Exports Reach 5.3 USD in First Half of 2020
The Vietnam Administration of Forestry is reporting that in the first six months of 2020, export revenues of forestry product were over 5.3 billion USD.
Despite Dire Post COVID Predictions New Zealand Home Prices and Sales Activity Grow in June
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%.