Oct 19, 2004. /Lesprom Network/. The latest figures show that the total plywood supply in Japan in July (domestic and imports) was 720,000 cubic metres, 6% more than June and 11% more than July last year, according to ITTO. At 720,000 cubic metres the July figures better the highest level for this year which was recorded in April. Imports of plywood have been above 400,000 cubic metres for four months now. Domestic production of softwood plywood in July almost reached the previous high of 584,000 cubic metres recorded in September 2003. July imports of plywood were 448,000 cubic metres, 9.2% more than June and 14.3% more than July last year. This is the second largest monthly volume after the 452,000 cubic metres imported in January this year. The JLR suggests that log supply in Indonesia and Malaysia has temporarily increased so that the supply of plywood is increasing. The improving supply of imported plywood is impacting prices and the market for commodity items like 12 mm panels is reportedly softening. In addition analysts have observed a weakening of prices for thin and medium thin standard panels. Some importer did comment that they have been trying to hold up prices of imported thin and medium thin panels but after some importers increased imports and put more panels on the market, then prices started to slide.