Mar 04, 2016. /Lesprom Network/. In the 4Q 2015 Ghana's Timber Industry Development Division (TIDD) processed and approved export shipment contracts covering 120,642 cubic metres. This was an almost 30% decline on the 172,124 cubic metres approved for shipment in the 3Q, ITTO reported.

Primary product shipment comprised mainly teak roundwood and 4Q shipments at 13,525 cubic metres were 93% higher than in 3Q 2015.

In the 4Q there was a sharp drop in shipments of secondary products. This fall in approved contract volumes was mainly due to a big drop in contracts for sawnwood. However, export contracts for sliced veneer improved (+42%) to 5,090 cubic metres compared to the 3Q.

Export contract volume approvals for shipment of tertiary products fell by 33% in the 4Q and this was put down to the difficulty mills had in securing sawnwood for further processing rather than weak demand.