Plywood consumption in Japan during July was 533,100m3, up 19% from July 2009 and 2.9% more than recorded in June 2010, reports the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO).
July plywood imports amounted to 303,400m3, gaining 22% from July last year and 9.3% from June 2010. Japanese wholesalers say that imports over 300,000m3, under the current market situation, are pushing down prices. However, imports are expected to decrease due to log shortages in the producing countries.
July plywood imports from Malaysia surged 29% over July last year. From the beginning of the year, Malaysia exported 11% more plywood to Japan compared to the same period last year while Japan’s plywood imports from Indonesia have remained stable.
Due to relatively high inventories and current weak demand imported plywood prices were down.
