This is the second highest next to last January. In particular, domestic monthly production was the highest this year but the inventories were only half month yet. Imported plywood was also high.
Volume of imported plywood was 325,100 cubic metres, 3.7% less and 6.1% more. Monthly average volume in last four months was 319,200 cubic metres, 0.2% more than the same period of last year. Malaysian volume increased by about 20,000 cubic metres from March to 147,700 cubic metres, 10.5% less and 15.1% more.
Monthly average for last four months was 137,800 cubic metres, 7.6% less than the same period of last year. Indonesian volume was 90,200 cubic metres, 2.5% less and 7.4% less.
Four month average is 91,300 cubic metres, 2.0% more. Volume from China was 74,000 cubic metres, 1.9% less and 6.2% more. Four month average was 69,300 cubic metres, 4.0% more.
Malaysia suffered log shortage since late last year and it is reported that even major mill had about 20% less production in February. However, Japan side is cautious in buying futures with ambiguous market so the arrivals from Malaysia seem to stay low.
Domestic production in April was 252,500 cubic metres, 7.4% more and 4.1% more.