Oct 08, 2013. /Lesprom Network/. Japan's supply of plywood of both domestic and import for the first six months of this year was 3,271,500 cubic metres, 9.6% more than the same period of last year. Domestic supply was 9.6% more and imports were 9.6% more. Monthly average was 317,900 cubic metres, 27,900 cubic metres more than the average in 2012, ITTO reported.

In Malaysia, log supply shortage was serious from the beginning of the year and the export FOB prices soared then at the same time, the yen got weaker, which pushed sales prices in Japan considerably. An anticipation of future high prices stimulated active speculative purchases.

Monthly average of Malaysian plywood was 147,900 cubic metres, about 20,000 cubic metres more than 2012. However, since last spring, the anticipated demand pickup did not materialise. Port inventories are expected to drop in coming months so that the supply and demand should balance out.

In domestic supply, softwood plywood production was 1,266,300 cubic metres, 11.6% more. The monthly average was 211,000 cubic metres, about 22,000 cubic metres more than 2012. Also the shipment was 1,296,500 cubic metres, 22.2% more than 2012.