Worldwide demand for African tropical timber decreasing

Millers in West Africa have provided some comments on shipping opportunities and market developments saying they have been told ports in Italy are closed for timber shipments and that there are many containers awaiting dispatch from the ports.

Producers say there are few new orders coming from but as the restrictions there are eased this should change. However, producers do not expect to see any major increase in orders for several months.

The authorities in Spain have relaxed some restrictions on travel and companies are slowly adjusting to virus management regimes but this is having a downward impact on production in Spain. Producers say demand in Spain for sapelli and tali is now low.

The problems of shipping to Iraq continue and producers have found that cargo movement through Umm Qasr and Bassra Ports is a major problem for shippers.

There are buyers of West African timbers in the Philippines but they have now asked shippers to delay any further shipments. The Philippines government recently announced it will ease quarantine measures in some parts of the country but will extend restrictions in Manila and some other cities until 31 May.

CAR producers unable to transport due to border closure

In Cameroon shipments that have been delayed are slowly been loaded and dispatched to ports in Europe which are still operating and to China. Production levels have been driven down as measures to eliminate the spread of infection amongst workers are implemented.

Producers report delays in having documents processed as so many government offices are without the normal staff levels.

With the border between the Central African Republic and Cameroon closed, producers in CAF, while still milling, cannot transport to the port in Cameroon.

Timber companies continue to operate in Gabon

The decision by the government in Gabon to ease travel restrictions comes as welcome relief to workers, many of whom had been laid off. The lockdown was introduced 13 April covering Libreville and three neighbouring communes.

The easing of restrictions means that the so-called ‘nonessential’ businesses can reopen. However Gabon’s borders are still closed and the 1800 hr to 0600 hr curfew is still in force.

The Ministry of Forestry was, as of mid-May, not fully staffed but a team is providing the Laissez Passer so timber companies can continue operations.

As could be expected there have been no price movements.
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