Exports of New Zealand radiata pine are set to to take a downward turn, according to industry newsletter Random Lengths International.
Despite the latest statistics showing a 31% increase in softwood shipments to the US in April compared with 2002, industry commentators predict exports to show a decline for May and June because of poor market conditions in the US and other countries. US importers believe NZ producers have been slow to react to the conditions.
Influencing factors include the recent production cuts announced by some companies, while one firm went into receivership during June.
Weak exchange rates and poor industrial markets in the US have also hurt NZ companies’ returns.
