sawlogs, pulplogs, pulp, wood, panels, plywood, mdf, osb, chipboard, veneer, bulk, pallets, wood, timber Myanmar timber prices reflect market’s resiliency

   Moscow. Feb 25, 2008. /Lesprom.com/. In Myanmar (Burma, Southeast Asia) prices for sawn quality log grades (SG4, SG5, SG6 and SG7) have been going down steadily, ITTO reported. A marked drop can be seen in the SG4 and SG6 grades starting in September 2007, with SG7 showing similar strains. SG4 logs serve a dual purpose: the first is to produce higher quality sawn timber such as boards and planks, and the second is for cutting veneer flitches. Veneer sheets are then produced from the flitches and used as overlay on other species of timber.

Some analysts presume that difficulties and the extra costs associated with shipping sawn teak to Europe may be instrumental in bringing down log prices. One experienced trader said it would be difficult to ascertain where prices are headed. Although prices have been on an upward trend since the mid-1990s, erratic trends in prices are often seen. Nevertheless, the market has shown resiliency over the last decade and demand for timber continues to be steady.