Measures taken only a few days ago to slow down the coronavirus epidemic in the north of Italy, in the so-called Red Zone, have been extended last night to the whole of Italy. Italians have been instructed to stay at home and avoid all non-essential travel in a move that…
Western U.S. sawmills produced 1.245 billion board ft. (bbf) of softwood lumber in January, down 2.3% from January 2019 when output was 1.275 bbf, but up 10.0% compared with December 2019’s 1.132 bbf, according to the latest figures from the Western Wood Products Assn. (WWPA) of Portland, Oregon. Coastal mills…
The coronavirus outbreak in China and subsequent reduction in trade flows has led to significant losses for carriers. According to some estimates the bigger carriers could have lost up to 350 million USD per week. Smaller carriers focusing on Chinese business have significant cash flow issues and some shipping lines…
The European Confederation of Woodworking Industries (CEI-Bois), CEI-Bois, published its position paper: Towards a new EU Forest Strategy. The European Confederation of the Woodworking Industries, welcomed the adoption of the Forest Strategy in 2013 and supports the preparation of a new Strategy. An updated Strategy at EU level is needed to provide a…
China’s government is suspending or reducing port fees and other transport costs, a move that is expected to help revive exports and imports as the country recovers from the coronavirus outbreak, Argus Media informs. All port construction levies applying to imports and exports will be waived until 30 June, while…
Looking to the future, the EU’s Winter Forecast suggests that the “external environment remains challenging” but that “continued employment creation, robust wage growth, and a supportive policy mix should help the European economy maintain a path of moderate growth”. In a positive note for the timber sector, the Forecast also…
It has been reported that China’s State Council decided to waive the tolls on toll roads throughout the country until the virus epidemic is brought under control. Other measures being arranged are reductions in corporate social insurance and an extended period for paying housing provident fund. These measures are aimed…
Dubai WoodShow 2020, which was to open on March 16, is rescheduled and will now take place on June 9 -11, 2020 in Dubai. Organizers made this decision due to the growing concerns related to the Coronavirus (Covid-19) in other countries and because their priority is the well-being of everyone…
In January 2020, the Brazilian exports of wood-based products (except pulp and paper) declined 8.6% in value compared to January 2019, from US$226.0 million to US$206.5 million. The value of pine sawnwood exports dropped around 15% from January 2019 (US$43.9 million) and January 2020 (US$37.5 million). In terms of volume,…
According to the Association of the German Furniture Industry (VDM), the effects of the coronavirus on the German-Chinese furniture trade are clearly noticeable, but not the only influences. “German furniture exports to China showed significant signs of slowing down last year,” explains Managing Director Jan Kurth. “In 2019, exports to…
