The timber price in the southern region of the country is reported to have jumped notably over the last couple of months. The surge in the prices is owing to the limited availability in the Monsoon season, As the cutting of logs is halted in the rainy season, the supply of timber is impacted accordingly which ultimately takes its toll on the functioning of plywood manufacturing in the state of Karnataka and Kerala.
Commenting on the rise in the timber prices, "Dr Prashanth M A, Director at AK Appleply Pvt Ltd said, "The price of Rubber wood and Silver Oak has witnessed an increment of 10% and 20% respectively, whereas, the price of all other types of mixed wood has sprung up to 15-20% in Perumbavoor and Kannur and also in Karnataka region. Usually the availability of the timber is affected in the current monsoon season, consequently the functioning of the plywood unit is impacted in such a scenario."
The elevated timber cost combined with the already high raw material costs over last few months may force manufacturers to source alternative species like Melia Dubia from neighboring states or imported timber from overseas suppliers.
[Published in Ply Reporter's August 2026 Print Issue]