For example, prices of solid structural timber are expected to rise by up to €15/m³ (see article Solid structural timber producers announce price increases). The fact that this would mean that raw wood for solid structural timber would cost as much as dry glulam lamellas in August shows that the latter also has some catching up to do. Demand for the main grades should remain stable for the remainder of the year.
Curtailed cutting will reduce availability of byproducts
Demand from the Italian packaging industry is weak due to reduced exports. The situation is similar in Germany. “However, the curtailment of cutting will make create a better balance between supply and demand. This has been the case in Germany for several months now,” a German sawmiller sums up the situation.
In the US, there has recently been a sense of disappointment. The softwood lumber price fell sharply due to a lack of demand. This downward trend will likely continue for a few more weeks until the shortfall in supply from Canada improves opportunities for Europeans.
Scandinavian sawmills are very well supplied (with expensive log wood) after the summer holiday month of July. How they will offer their glulam lamellas in September will also have an impact on the Central European price. The sobering market development in the US could lead to renewed price pressure on Central Europe.
Prices of finished products expected to rise
With the increase in prices for semi-finished products, the prices of glued timber products should also rise again later this year. As for solid structural timber, the weak recovery was the result of increased orders from trading companies. It is precisely this customer base that should generate short-term demand for glulam in Germany.
Traditional suppliers in Italy are reporting a “good order situation for glulam for the month of September.” This could also have a stimulating effect on prices.
When it comes to cross-laminated timber, the situation remains tense. The product remains at much too low a price level compared to other glued timber products.
