As European companies get back to business after the summer vacation season some notable price changes for major species are beginning to emerge. This, say analysts, is most likely due to re-stocking and fluctuations in demand rather than any underlying strengthening of the market.
Continuing weak demand for padouk in India and Belgium has resulted in falling FOB prices. At the same time demand in Europe for sapelli and sipo was depressed and this is reflected in the decline reported in FOB prices. The volume traded in both timbers generally declines mid-year and if past patterns can be relied upon then demand will pick up in readiness for 4th quarter sales.
Prospects for the construction sector in most European countries have improved in the past year and there is a particular emphasis on the need for new house building in UK.
Uncertain demand prospects especially in the UK