The beginning of the year got off to a slow start for
exporters as harvest volumes were lower than over the past
months, in particular the log market remained relatively
quiet for the period under review compared to the previous
period. Most of the logs exported are for the Asian market,
particularly India and China.
For Sawnwood there was virtually no production of
undressed (rough sawn) Greenheart and Purpleheart, this
again was because of the low log volumes harvested in the
latter part of December 2009.
Prices for rough sawn Mora remain unwavering. However
prices for dressed Greenheart and Purpleheart recorded a
decline for the period compared to the previous period.
However Guyana’s dressed Washiba sawnwood known
internationally as Ipe continues to maintain high prices.
Trade sources report that there was no production of
Baromalli Plywood for the period under review.
Output of value added products declined in the early part
of the month year and only outdoor furniture and Spindles
were exported however average prices were fairly good in
January.
Product development and promotion
Forest Product Development and Marketing Council
Guyana Inc (FPDMC) supported product development and
market promotion for stakeholders within the forestry
sector in 2009
In 2009, the Forest Products Marketing and Development
Council (FPDMC) embarked on a number of activities
with an emphasis on development of the forest sector.
Much importance was placed on value added production
and effective use of “Lesser Used Species”.
In addition, extensive outreach visits to observe the
operation of stakeholders and understand their concerns,
was undertaken.
The FPDMC undertook an intensive outreach programme
in keeping with its mandate to improve product quality
and marketing within the forest sector. Ongoing visits are
being conducted by FPDMC officials to encourage and
promote standards and efficiency at sawmills and
operations of local processors.
The Council is also on a drive to encourage: marketing
and promotion of comparable properties of Lesser Used
Species (LUS) to other commercialized species here in
Guyana; Exposing Stakeholders to information on the
significant benefits to be derived from utilising kiln drying
facilities and manufacturing more value added products
and advocating the conversion of waste into marketable
products.
With the acquisition of new machines (which the Council
is encouraging the industry to procure) and with
appropriate training, it is expected that the industry will
have the capacity to increase downstream processing.
Malaysia Log Prices Guyana Log
Prices
Logs, FOB Georgetown
SQ - $ Avg
unit per m3
Std
Fair
Small
Greenheart
140 ⇓
130
120-180
Purpleheart
200-250
170-200 ⇓
150-180
Mora
-
-
-
*Small SQ is used for
piling in the USA and EU. Price depends on length.
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