First published in the Tropical Timber Market Report

No major price changes have been reported in Central and West Africa. Demand for logs for the Chinese market is focused on ovangkol, okan, iroko.

Demand for timber in West Africa is steadily increasing.  Photo by Wikimedia Commons 

Demand for timber in West Africa is steadily increasing.  Photo by Wikimedia Commons

Demand for sawn okoume in China is reported as steady. Securing shipping containers remains a big problem for exporters in this region of Africa.

According to reports shippers in Equatorial Guinea have about 3000 cu.m of kevazingo ready for shipment but no containers. The end of the rain season is approaching which will give mills an opportunity to increase production.

Meanwhile, Gabon looks to raise sawnwood production According to the domestic media the Ministry of the Economy in Gabon has forecast production of sawnwood to increase by 2.5% to 1.17 million cubic metres this year compared to the 5.4% decline in 2020.

The Ministry reported sawnwood exports of 835,299 cubic metres in 2020 due to slow international demand. However, sales in the domestic market expanded 2.3%.