Month: December 2011

The European market for tropical hardwood plywood faces numerous challenges. Sales prices of existing landed stocks are under pressure as consumption is slow in the winter season and, with the European economic situation so fragile, few importers are now expecting a significant rise in sales next year.  However, rising production costs in the Far East mean that shippers either have to raise prices – currently very difficult in an unreceptive market – or to cut costs. Many are choosing the latter course and compromising on quality.