Softwood log exported from Kyushu ports, Japan, for the first half of this year is 254,848 cubic metres, 6% more than the same period of last year but the value is 9.1% down due to lower export value, ITTO reported.
Log exporters have been complaining about poor return as a result of lower export value by strong yen particularly for China market.
Total log export from all Japan is 313,632 cubic metres, 2.2% less than 2015 and the value is 15.4% less. Compared to all Japan, Kyushu export business is better. There are eight log exporting ports in Kyushu.
Export log prices in Kyushu are now 8,000 yen per cubic metre delivered loading port, more than 1,000 yen down from last year’s prices. Despite lower export log prices, there have been enough volume for export because log supply for biomass power generation facilities was excessive as generation facilities use a certain amount of imported fuel.
