Australia’s softwood log exports almost tripled in March, lifting to a four-month high of 183 km3, with prices stable, but below their peaks of just a few months earlier. With Australia’s logs unable to access the mainland Chinese market, shipments are increasing to India and Korea in particular. Source: IndustryEdge
Australian Softwood Log Exports: Jan ’19 – Mar ’21 (km3 & USDFob/m3)
IndustryEdge notes that the average export price is holding up, despite the growing diversity of shipments of Australia’s softwood logs. As the chart shows, Australia’s softwood log exports remain well below their peaks, with the effects being felt throughout the national supply chain.
IndustryEge thought there may be interest in seeing the combined impact of Australian and New Zealand softwood log exports, given the supply from New Zealand can still access the mainland China market.
This second chart shows the combined trade is still below its absolute top, but is tracking toward that level as the New Zealand producers fill the gap left in the Chinese market and to some extent, the Australian supply switches out to Korea.
Australian & New Zealand Softwood Log Exports: Jan ’19 – Mar ’21 (km3 & USDFob/m3)
Most notable is the sustained rally in the USD price, underscoring the fundamental of the value of fibre. Again, this data is available on the platform and can be interrogated at the combined, country, region and port level, including data download options.
