Oct 18, 2014. /Lesprom Network/. Japan’s plywood supply in July 2014 was 520,900 cubic metres, 6.9% less than July last year and 3.8% less than June. Production curtailment by domestic plywood mills is the reason of the decrease. Import plywood continued declining under 300,000 cubic metres for two straight months, ITTO reported.

Total imported plywood volume in July was 291,000 cubic metres, 6.9% less and 1% less. Monthly average import for the first seven months was 310,000 cubic metres, 2.3% less than the same period of last year.

Malaysian supply has declined for three straight months. July volume was 112,300 cubic metres, 13.8% and 3.8% less. Average for the first seven months was 130,500 cubic metres, 10.3% less than the same period of last year.

Indonesian supply in July was 93,500 cubic metres, 1.7% less and 3.9% more, two straight months’ increase.

July production of domestic plywood was 229,800 cubic metres, 6.9% less than July last year and 7.1% less than June, out of which softwood plywood was 213,300 cubic metres, 7.7% less and 7.9% less. Monthly average production for the first seven months was 223,200 cubic metres, 4.3% more than the same period of last year due to active market in the first and second quarters.

Average monthly production in 2013 was 218,900 cubic metres then assuming 10% less for shrinking market this year, monthly production should be 197,000 cubic metres.