Ghana's wood exports grow by 8.6% in the first half of 2010

Sep 20, 2010. /Lesprom Network/. Wood and timber product exports from Ghana totalled 201,780 cubic metres earning Euro 68.7 million in the first half of 2010, compared to 200,590 cubic metres and Euro 62.7 million in the same period last year, ITTO reported. The volume of exports increased by 0.6% and the value by 8.6% compare to the first half of 2009. In the first half of 2010, all timber product exports except furniture exports showed some increases compared to the same period last year. In the first half of 2010, the export volumes of air and kiln dried sawnwood grew 10.8% and 24.6% respectively, compared to the same period last year. For the period under review, exports of primary products, including poles and billets, were valued at Euro 3.8 million in 2010 compared to Euro 7.2 million in 2009. The export value of secondary timber products increased from Euro 51 million in the first half of 2009 to Euro 60 million in the same period 2010. Exports of wood and timber products from Ghana to other African countries amounted to 97,538 cubic metres worth Euro 27 million in the first half of 2010. The share of African exports of the total timber exports from Ghana increased significantly from 38% in the first half of 2009 to 48% in the first half of 2010. In Europe, the major importers were Italy, France, Germany, the UK, Belgium, Spain, Ireland and Holland. Wood and timber product exports to these countries amounted to 41,500 cubic metres in volume and Euro 21 million in value, accounting for 21% and 30% respectively of the total wood and timber product exports. Exports to the US accounted for just 5% in volume and 8% in value of the total wood and timber product exports from Ghana, while the comparable numbers were 3% and 5% in the first half year period last year.