Japan’s April domestic softwood plywood production was 260,200 cubic metres, 3.2% more than April last year and 2.4% less than March, out of which structural panel production was 239,300 cubic metres, 0.8% less and 3.7% less. Shipment of softwood plywood was 250,700 cubic metres, 0.5% less and 0.4% less, as ITTO reported.
The demand for March and April was slow but the manufacturers continued full production to catch up delayed orders and build up the inventory. Users try to have extra volume to prepare fall demand pickup. The market is optimistic for the demand through the year, Softwood plywood inventory in April was 127,700 cubic metres.
Imported plywood movement remains slow despite low arrivals. The suppliers continue passing higher log cost onto future plywood offers.
