Apr 09, 2013. /Lesprom Network/. Japan's total plywood supply in January was 538,400 cubic metres, 0.4% more than January last year and 3.7% less than December last year. Imported plywood was over 324,700 cubic metres, 3.4% less than January last year and 4.4% less than December. This is the second highest monthly import in last twelve months, ITTO reported.

Malaysian supply decreased by 28,600 cubic metres from previous month while Indonesian supply was just about the same as previous month with 89,200 cubic metres. Chinese supply increased by 13,600 cubic metres with 79,700 cubic metres.

Average monthly import for last twelve months is 292,800 cubic metres. Domestic production in January was 213,700 cubic metres, 6.9% more than the same month a year ago and 2.7% less than December, out of which softwood plywood was 195,300 cubic metres, 8.2% more and 3.5% less.

Shipment of softwood plywood in January was 220,100 cubic metres, which is the second largest monthly shipment in last twelve months.

Inventories of domestic softwood plywood dropped down to 135,300 cubic metres, 15.5% down from December. The manufacturers comment that considering order balance, this level of inventory is significantly low.