Price signals for the coming quarter differ. On the one hand, world markets are doing fine with prices at a very high level. The Northern American market remains at a record level and indirectly raises prices all over the world. Timber industries with well-established access to overseas markets thus have clear expectations regarding third quarter prices in the MENA region: +5 €/m³. This would mean an overall increase of almost 40 €/m³ since the start of the year.
On the other hand, the rising amounts of damaged wood lead to sawn timber which has traditionally been suitable for MENA markets. The sawmill industry thus needs sales in North Africa right now. This, in turn, would indicate a fall in prices in the MENA region.
These days will be decisive for the direction in which sales are heading. After all, one must not forget that the MENA region remains the most important overseas market for the European timber industry.
