The Rougier Africa International branch generated Euro 58.6 million in half-year revenues, up 14.6% compared with the first half of 2013. The 2Q 2014 came in 17.2% higher than last year, confirming the positive trend on the international markets. In Gabon, the upturn in business has continued, buoyed by the development of sales on the local market. In Cameroon and Congo, while revenues picked up again slightly during the second quarter, this was limited by persistent difficulties with port handling issues in Douala, with shipments affected by significant delays.
The Rougier Sylvaco Panneaux branch recorded Euro 15.9 million in half-year revenues, down 5.3% in relation to the first half of 2013. In the 2Q, business continued to be affected by the contraction in the French construction market. The operational merger between Rougier Sylvaco and Rougier Panneaux during the second half of the year will help further strengthen the subsidiary’s competitiveness thanks to the development of major commercial and logistics synergies.
Log sales (22% of consolidated revenues at 30 June 2014) are up 13.1% versus the first half of 2013, with more measured growth during the 2Q (+2.7%). The longer shipping times for logs from Douala port has had a significant impact on exports from Cameroon and Congo. However, in Gabon, the development of sales to local industrial operators has ramped up.
Sawn timber sales (59.5% of consolidated revenues at 30 June 2014) increased by 15.8% compared with the first half of 2013. The 2Q was particularly dynamic, with revenues climbing 25.2% in relation to last year. This development has benefited from the strengthening of the international trade business, based on sourcing from outside of the Group and the diversification of the ranges of timber species and products offered.
Plywood sales (18.5% of consolidated revenues at 30 June 2014) are down 5.6% compared with the first half of 2013, in line with the trend from the previous half-year periods.
Rougier’s geographical diversification strategy has enabled it to reduce its exposure to the European market (47% of consolidated revenues at 30 June 2014), while offsetting market volatility in the Mediterranean Basin and Middle East. In this way, first-half growth was driven by the dynamic level of demand on the North American market, as well as local sales in Gabon. It also reflects the upturn in sales in Asia.
Rougier Group is a market leader for certified African tropical timber. The Group operates around three business lines: Rougier Afrique International (natural forest harvesting, industrial processing and international trade), Lignafrica (research, management and investment in industrial forest plantations in Africa), and Rougier Sylvaco Panneaux (importing and distribution in France of timber from all origins).
