US timber exporters claim they are shipping more wood to Libya even though the growth does not show up in official statistics, according to industry newsletter Random Lengths.
Traders believe the discrepancy is due to there being a lack of direct shipments to Libya because of high transport costs, with most trade going indirectly through Italy or the former Yugoslavia first.
This indirect trade, they say, does not show up as exports to Libya in statistics compiled by the US Foreign Agricultural Service.
US softwood lumber exports to Italy grew 39% during the first quarter compared to a year earlier, despite a downward trend in the past two years. Traders claim this growth is accounted for by indirect Libyan shipments.
Libyan timber buyers use southern pine for making windows, doors, railings and staircases. Demand is reportedly strong for 8/4 merchantable – a downfall product from sap and prime wood.
