Year 2021 is indicating a further increase in prices with each passing month. The demand for timber, planks, imported wood and wood lops-tops have been consistent after September last year, but supply constraints have increased. The supply side looks tight in coming months and don’t seems to ease up or giving any relaxation throughout this year. The timber availability in poplar is scarce and thus eucalyptus prices are expected to narrow down the gap with poplar with each passing month ahead. The ‘Safeda’ timber prices in regions of central Uttar Pradesh are anticipated to add up another Rs 75 to 100 by this year end. With growing demand from panel manufacturers, timber prices look upward throughout 2021.
In new year, January onwards poplar log prices too are expected to be up by another 10 to 15% following moisture factor and availability constraints feel market experts. Till 2022 mid, the fresh harvest of poplar plantation is not expected to start reaching to factories, hence the poplar log prices of old plantation with higher girth is expected to remain above 850 to 900 circuit through out the year. The rising demand of wood by growing Particle board and MDF plants is adding to the supply constraint although it is equally motivating for farmers to grow more plantation.
As observed, the prices of core veneer will keep moving upward and add to another 20 to 25 paise increase in coming months. The ongoing year will have a supply shortage scenario throughout this year, says industries from different regions which is certainly keep the panel product prices higher compared to last two years. It is to be noted that prices of each panel product is increased and will continue to rise further.