North American hardwood lumber shipments to Europe slowed during August as the Spanish, Portuguese and Italians took their holiday.
However, according to industry newsletter Hardwood Review Export, sales to Far Eastern markets remained strong and it says hopes are high for good business in the autumn with sales to Asia sound and demand from Europe growing.
The financial situation in Asia is showing signs of recovery with Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and South Korea increasing their purchases of North American hardwoods. Shipments of US hardwood to Vietnam saw a dramatic 321% rise in June over the same period in 2001.
