Log exports earned good prices in April – ITTO

Guyana’s logs exports benefited from good prices over the last month, according to the latest report from the International Tropical Timber Organisation (ITTO).

It said that while in early April there were no exports of Greenheart logs, export prices for all categories of purpleheart and mora logs increased. Some of Guyana’s lesser used species were also exported in log form fetching good average prices.

Un-dressed Greenheart (select) sawnwood prices improved towards US$730 to US$975 per cubic metre but prices for un-dressed purpleheart declined, the report said.

On the other hand, prices for dressed Greenheart dropped from US$1,350 to US$ 1,011 per cubic metre. Prices for un-dressed Mora sawnwood were generally maintained.

The ITTO said that the export of piles and poles made a noteworthy contribution towards the export earnings, for these products the major market is North America.

Guyana’s Ipe (Washiba) continues to attract significant top-end prices reaching as high as US$ 2,250 per cubic metre. Wallaba splitwood is in good demand and export earnings from this product were significant.

Many of Guyana’s lesser used species were exported for the production of sawn construction timbers as these woods have very good structural properties.

Europe was the major destination for these sustainable and durable Guyanese timber species, the report said.

Meanwhile, the ITTO also noted that the single plywood manufacturing company here, Barama, is aiming to restart its plywood operations as soon as June and hopes to have export products ready for shipment in December.

Domestic demand for plywood is strong and the reopening of this mill will ensure that that the development of the domestic housing sector is not held back.

The plywood factory is looking to achieve a production rate in excess of 2,400 cubic metre per month, the report said.

It noted that the company is also engaged in the production of veneers to further complement the plywood factory. The plywood company is providing employment to a significant number of workers within the forest industry.

The re-opened factory will reduce the shortages of panels faced by contractors and builders, the report said.