Introduction of Okume Face during 2017 was eminent due to very high cost of Gurjan Face, once log export ban from Myanmar happened in 2014. Few players, saw it as an opportunity and started experimenting with Okume to save money, and slowly distanced from costly Gurjan Face. They diverted to that need to Okume Face Veneer, which was available at almost half price of Gurjan. Today Okume Face Veneer has almost 25 % market share and will grow further if stability and economy in its availability is stable. Today, Okume faces no more ‘question mark’ and majority of leading plywood brands have shifted to Okume as Face. The investment by Indian companies in Gabon for Face manufacturing was another motivating factor for Indian Plywood Industry.
But scenario seems changing 2020 -21. Due to many reasons, Okume Face prices are fast approaching near Gurjan Face with almost no indication of price drop in coming months. The present rise in Face Veneer prices are approximately 20 percent, thus adding input cost of plywood by Rs 2 per sqft. The scenario indicates that the prices of face veneer will rise further in February and March Month, due to high prices of timber, freight etc.The Plywood Industry understands that they have to depend on imports for their face veneer requirement and they are unable to get this material at sustainable rate and price, hence a se
A group of Plywood manufacturers have been advocating producing Faceless Plywood because they feel the pinch due to tough fight from MDF and Particle Boards. It is a matter of future trend that whether ‘faceless plywood will be competing at a similar price of MDF & PB’ but it is being discussed. The discussion to approach BIS for Faceless standardisation is also being explored. What is evident here is Okume must be presenting itself as a viable solution to remain sustainable in India market else, there will be more options on way in this price sensitive market.
This 2021 first issue has covered 5 Predictions of 2021, an analysis-basedwriting by ply Reporter on Wood and decorative panel industry. The news reports on Plywood, MDF, Particle Boards, Laminates, Timber, Doors and inflation affect different panel products segments, product launches are exclusively reported. The interaction with Mr. Naresh Tiwari, Chairman, AIPMA, the coverage of the biggest plywood manufacturing set up by New Pragati Plywood Industries at Yamunanagar and promoter of Decoage PVC Edge Band Tape are worth reading for industry and trade. Besides, the happening related to wood panel trade, and e-conclave by Ply Reporter are also interesting reads. Wishing all of you a Happy New Year 2021
Rajiv Parashar
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