As per report, the Kandla based port has noted an increase of 17 % of timber to reach a record 53.47 cubic meters in the last FY 24-25, in which they have noted the biggest jump in Pine logs import in previous year.
Imported Pine logs have been becoming a lifeline for Indian Plywood manufacturing units for its requirement of Core Veneer, Flush Doors and Block Boards Fillers. Experts reveal that the plywood industry located in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana and Punjab has been using very good quantities of Pine logs in its manufacturing units, and their dependency has been shifted to almost 35 % of their total timber requirements.
Industry experts view that Australian Pine logs are much more suitable than other places for Core Veneer, although there are lots of bending complaints reported in Pine Core Veneer based plywood but with technical expertise, it can be resolved. Uruguay and New Zealand based pine timber is perfect for Block Boards and Flush Doors. Industry views that the availability of Pine logs for Plywood Industry has supported their manufacturing and checks the prices of local timber also.
The growing demand of Pine logs for Plywood making, has also helped the increasing import of timber in India. As per report, the Kandla based port has noted an increase of 17 % of timber to reach a record 53.47 cubic meters in the last FY 24-25, in which they have noted the biggest jump in Pine logs import in previous year.
Importers view that the consistent pricing and availability of logs from Australia, Uruguay, New Zealand, Brazil, South Africa, Solomon and other Latin American countries is one of the reasons to increase demand of timber to India. They also view that apart from plywood, there is a good demand for timber and logs in construction, housing and packaging purposes also, which has also catalysed the growth of timber import.
[Published in Ply Reporter's June 2025 Print Issue]