Besides the current FMC certification for the Segaham
FMU the company has two other FMUs in the progress of
MTCC certification.
4.
INDONESIA
Exports resilient despite sluggish Chinese demand
Indonesia's export of wood products continues to rise even
though demand in China has weakened. However, a global
recession would seriously impact export growth. Data
from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK)
analysed by the Association of Indonesian Forest
Concession Holders (APHI) shows Indonesia's wood
product exports up to September earned US$11.07 billion,
a year on year rise of 13%.
Most growth came from an increase in exports of paper
products (US$3.15 billion), wood panels (US$2.63
billion), pulp (US$2.52 billion) and furniture (US$2.15
billion). Indonesia's timber export trade depends on four
main markets, Japan, the European Union+UK, the US
and the Republic of Korea. A market that has recently
been developed is India.
The growth in exports to India is promising and for the
year to September there was a 35% yoy expansion. As of
September exports to China were recorded at US$2.36
billion, a 21% decline from the same period in 2021.
Indonesia's wood product exports to Japan in the first three
quarters of 2022 increased 15% year on year to US$1.14
billion. Exports to the EU+UK rose 54% year on year to
US$1.3 billion and exports to the Republic of Korea
increased slightly to US$585 million.
Throughout this year export growth in the US market
increased steadily but in September there was a downturn
as wood product exports dipped 19% to US$1.77 billion.
The decline in exports to the US was because of a drop in
furniture exports which fell 40% from US$1.41 billion in
January-September 2021 to US$849.3 million in January-
September 2022.
See:
https://forestinsights.id/2022/10/14/ekspor-produk-kayumelaju-meski-pasar-china-lesu-ancaman-resesi-mestidiwaspadai/
Association welcomes approval of FSC Motion 37
The domestic media has reported that Motion 37,
discussed in the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)
General Assembly forum held in Bali, has been approved
and will impact Indonesia’ trade in wood and on forest
products. The Secretary General of the Association of
Indonesian Forest Concession Holders (APHI), Purwadi
Soeprihanto, said this approval will provide an opportunity
for forestry companies in Indonesia to obtain FSC
certification.
He added that Motion 37 of the FSC rules will bring
significant changes in forest management in Indonesia as
well as improve relationships between industry and forest
communities.
FSC Board member, Rulita Wijayaningdyah, is reported as
saying Motion 37 can be applied in all FSC member
countries, not only for one particular country. In the
Indonesian context, motion 37 points to Industrial
Plantation Forests (HTI) and community forests which
have great potential to be certified under the FSC
scheme”.
See:
https://fsc.org/en/newscentre/motion-passed-fsc-principlesand-criteria-will-enable-the-policy-to-address-conversion
and
https://mediatataruang.com/2022/10/15/mosi-37-fsc-di-balidisahkan-ini-dampaknya/4/
Expanding exports to Ethiopia and Nigeria
Furniture entrepreneurs, members of the Indonesian
Furniture Entrepreneurs Association (Asmindo), are
targeting countries such as Ethiopia and Nigeria to expand
exports. Asmindo recently organised a Business Matching
event with the Indonesia-Africa Trade Forum (FPIA) and
the Ethiopian Embassy in order to develop cooperation
and to seek alternative non-traditional markets.
"There are several countries that are collaborating with us,
namely South Korea with 70 delegates, Saudi Arabia,
Ethiopia and Nigeria,"
When meeting the press the Deputy Secretary General of
Asmindo, Irawan, reported that wooden furniture exports
in 2021 reached US$1.99 billion up over 30% from the
previous year.
See:
https://wartakota.tribunnews.com/2022/10/21/asmindo-bidikpasar-benua-afrika-di-nigeria-dan-etiopia-lewat-businessmatching-di-south78
Perhutani pine resin gets ecolabel certificate
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) stated that the pine
resin resource managed by PT Perhutani received the first
ecolabel certificate in Indonesia becoming the first forest
management unit in Indonesia to obtain FSC certification
for pine resin.
FSC Indonesia Marketing and Communication Manager,
Indra Setia Dewi said Perhutani has increased the value of
its products and increased the income of local people who
depend on them as tappers for pine resin.
See:
https://www.antaranews.com/berita/3197129/fsc-getahpinus-perhutani-dapat-sertifikat-ekolabel-pertama-indonesia
Business sector invited to contribute to mangrove
restoration
The Ministry of Environment and Forestry has invited
businesses to contribute to mangrove forest restoration and
conservation in order to mitigate the impact of climate
change in Indonesia.
The Director General of Sustainable Forest Management
at the ministry, Agus Justianto, noted in a press release
that "Protecting mangroves as a carbon ecosystem does
not only to reduce emissions and increase carbon
sequestration but also to help preserve healthy mangroves
that can provide multiple benefits.
Several businesses such as the state-run oil and gas
company PT Pertamina (Persero), state-owned electricity
provider PT PLN (Persero), state-run tin mining
corporation PT Timah, as well as private-owned energy
company PT Indika Energy have actively contributed to
the preservation of mangrove ecosystems through their
corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs.
See:
https://www.republika.co.id/berita/rjlcsa330/klhk-ajak-pelakuusaha-terlibat-dalam-restorasi-ekosistem-mangrove
Indonesia/Norway emission reduction agreement
Siti Nurbaya Bakar, Minister of Environment and
Forestry, announced that Indonesia and Norway have
signed an agreement on a results-based contribution for
emission reductions. The agreement was signed as a
follow-up to a memorandum of understanding (MoU)
between Indonesia and Norway.
As part of the agreement, Norway will contribute US$56
million to support the implementation of the FoLU
(Forestry and Other Land Use) Net Sink 2030 Operational
Plan.
See:
https://en.antaranews.com/news/255681/indonesia-norwayink-emission-reduction-agreement
5.
MYANMAR
Tariff free exports
under RCEP
Beginning 1 November the Trade Department in the
Ministry of Commerce will issue Certificates of Origin
Forms (RCEP) for products that originated in Myanmar
and are designated to be exported to China so that the
authorised traders can enjoy customs tariff relief.
The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership-
RCEP, a free trade agreement between the ten member
states of ASEAN, Australia, China, Japan, the Republic of
Korea and New Zealand came into effect January 2022.
According to the RCEP agreement, the CO form will be
issued for the products that originated in Myanmar and
that are to be sent to China to be free from customs duty
from 1 November 2022. Myanmar, a member of RCEP
and ASEAN, will gain access to great trade opportunities.
See -
https://www.gnlm.com.mm/moc-to-issue-co-form-rcep-forfree-customs-tariff-to-china-from-1-nov/#article-title
Myanmar blacklisted
In another setback, the Financial Action Task Force
(FATF) has placed Myanmar on its blacklist for terrorism
financing alongside Iran and North Korea.
The Central Bank of Myanmar told people not to worry
since it was not a risk factor for Myanmar. However, one
timber exporter commented that this measure would be
another serious blow to timber exports.
This move is the result of concerns over Myanmar's
casinos and illicit cross-border trade. The suspected
increase in transnational criminal activities reportedly
includes the export of synthetic drugs.
Over the past year China has gradually resumed
infrastructure projects in Myanmar that were planned
before the military takeover. Chinese companies have
remained in Myanmar's energy market as others pulled out
and are said to be proceeding with work on a deep-sea port
in Kyaukphyu.
FATF was set up in 1989 by the Group of Seven advanced
economies, initially to counter money laundering. It has
since expanded its mandate to countering terrorist
financing and the proliferation of weapons of mass
destruction.
See -
https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Myanmar-Crisis/Myanmar-blacklisted-by-FATF-for-terrorism-and-crimefinance.
6.
INDIA
Housing sales increase
A recent report from Anarock shows that there was a 4%
quarter on quarter in home sale in the second quarter of
2022 with almost 85,000 units were sold in the top seven
cities. The Mumbai metropole region (MMR) witnessed the
highest sales among the top seven cities followed by the
national capital region (NCR).
In terms of starts, around early 94,000 units were launched
in the third quarter 2022 against 82,150 units in the second
quarter. MMR and Hyderabad witnessed the highest level
of starts. Despite buoyant sales, the NCR considerably
restricted its new supply in comparison to other cities
including MMR, Bengaluru, Pune and Hyderabad.
With the increased supply the housing inventory rose,
however, on an annual basis inventory declined by 4% in
Q3 2022 across the top seven cities.
Residential property prices across the top cities registered
a quarterly increase in the range of one-two percent in the
third quarter. On an annual basis prices have risen
between 4-7% primarily due to an increase in input costs
and firm demand. However if inflation remains at elevated
levels forcing Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to aggressively
increase interest rates there might be some turbulence in
the market according to Anarock.
See:
https://api.anarock.com/uploads/research/Q2%202022_PAN%20India%20Residential%20Market%20Viewpoints.pdf
GST exemption on international feight charges –
traders seek extension
Exporters have sought an extension of previously granted
exemption from Goods and Services Tax (GST) on export
freight saying that a without the extension of this scheme
their liquidity will be challenged. In a letter to Minsiter of
Finance the Federation of Indian Export Organisations
(FIEO) said that international freight charges are still very
much higher than pre-Covid.
The exemption from GST on export freight ended on 30
September after being extended twice. Exporters now
have to pay 18% GST on export ocean freight. The FIEO
says global trade is entering a very challenging phase as
high inflation and the risk of a recession will affect
demand.
Good prospects for woodbased particleboard mills
In this post-pandemic period the particleboard market is
very active especially as imports are negligible and
manufacturers report good profits. Plyreporter says
recently there were more than 20 expressions of interest in
establishing woodbased particleboard mills but a problem
in securing manufacturing plant from China and licencing
issues disrupted plans for new plants during 2020 and
2021. But now prospects for new woodbased particleboard
plants in India are better.
See:
https://www.plyreporter.com/current-issue
Plywood
Please note plywood prices are now shown below free of
local taxes.
7.
VIETNAM
Wood and Wood Product
(W&WP) trade highlights
W&WP exports in September 2022 reached US$1.41
billion, down 21% compared to August 2022 but up 56.5%
compared to September 2021. WP exports, in particular,
valued at US$734.8 million were down 17% compared to
August 2022 but up 71.5% compared to September 2021.
Over the first 9 months of 2022 W&WP exports amounted
to US$12.3 billion, up 10.2% over the same period in
2021. Of the total WP exports were US$8.6 billion, up
1.5% over the same period in 2021.
WP exports to Japan in September 2022 totaled US$159.2
million, up 55% compared to September 2021. Over the
same period W&WP exports to Japan totalled US$1.39
billion, up 34.4% year on year.
The exports of wood pellets in September 2022 were
valued at US$52 million, up 91% compared to September
2021. The accumulated exports of wood pellet over the
first 9 months of 2022 soared to US$530.7 million, a yearon-
year up of 76%.
In contrast to the slow growth of the total W&WP exports,
the exports of wood pellet have been experiencing a quite
high growth rate.
The imports of padouk in September 2022 totalled 21,300
cu.m, worth US$$8.9 million, down 8.3% in volume and
8.7% in value compared to August 2022. Compared to
September 2021 imports increased by 69% in volume and
23.5% in value.
In the first 9 months of 2022, padouk imports reached
131,400 cu.m, worth US$56.2 million, down 1.1% in
volume and 5.2% in value over the same period in 2021.
Imports of log and sawnwood from Africa in August 2022
were the highest reaching 157,000 cu.m, at a value of
US$61.28 million, up 69% in volume and 87% in value
compared to July 2022 and up 77% in volume and 86% in
value compared to August 2021.
In the first 8 months of 2022, imports of logs and
sawnwood from Africa reached 822,580 cu.m at a value of
US$307.44 million, up 19.4% in volume and 22.4% in
value over the same period in 2021.
Exports of W&WP to Japan rising
In the first 9 months of 2022 the value of W&WP exports
to Japan earned US$1.39 billion, up 34.4% over the same
period in 2021.
Most W&WPs exported to Japan increased sharply in
September 2022. Over the first 9 months of 2022, wood
chips, wood pellets, wood-based panels, floorings, wooden
doors all recorded a very high growth rates contributing to
boost export earnings from exports to the Japanese market.
Wooden furniture exports to Japan in the first 9 months of
2022 were slower however, while many top markets such
as the US and EU tended to reduce imports of wooden
furniture from Vietnam due to the impact of rising
inflation and tightened spending, exports to Japan still
recorded positive growth.
Demand in Japan, especially wood chips and wood pellets,
is expected to increase due to the transition from coal
power to clean energy, including biomass power.
In addition to wood chips and wood pellets, wooden
furniture, as a higher value-added wood product,
represents one of the important products exported from
Vietnam to the Japanese market.
Padouk sawnwood and log imports
In the first 8 months of 2022, padouk sawnwood imports
reached 82,600 cu.m, worth US$36.6 million, year-onyear
decline of 25% in volume and 24% in value.
In contrast, imports of padouk logs were 27,500 cu.m
worth US$10.7 million, up 165% in volume and 181% in
value over the same period in 2021.
Imports from Africa at a record high
Imports from Africa in August 2022 reached the highest
level with 157,010 cu.m worth US$61.28 million, up 69%
in volume and 87% in value against July 2022 and an
increase of 77% in volume and 86. in value compared to
August 2021.
Over the first 8 months of 2022, imports of timber from
Africa weret 822,580 cu.m worth US$307.44 million, up
19.4% in volume and 22.4% in value over the same period
in 2021.
In the last months of each year demand in the domestic
market for tropical hardwood often rises. Imports of logs
and sawnwood from Africa are expected to continue to
rise.
African wood suppliers
In August 2022, timber imports from Africa increased
substantially due to exports from Cameroon and
Equatorial Guinea. These two suppliers contributed up to
90% of the total import growth.
In particular, in August 2022, Cameroon exported to
Vietnam 63,300 cu.m, with a value of US$27.86 million,
up 69% in volume and 87% in value compared to July
2022 and an increase of 773% in volume and 863% in
value compared to August 2021.
Over the first 8 months of 2022 Cameroon shipped
375,630 cu.m to Vietnam with a value of US$159.67
million, up 18% in volume and 19.5% in value against the
same period of 2021.
Imports of log and sawnwood from Equatorial Guinea in
August 2022 reached 19,080 cu.m valued at US$7.22
million, up 4,000+% in volume and 6,000+% in value
compared to July 2022.
Total imports from this source in the first 8 months of
2022 was reported at 25,910 cu.m valued at US$8.98
million, up 892% in volume and 494% in value over the
same period of 2021.
Imports from Equatorial Guinea were mainly logs
(accounting for 99%), of which, the 2 most imported
woody species are tali and padouk. The imports of tali and
padouk logs from Equatorial Guinea in the first 8 months
of 2022 increased significantly compared to the same
period in 2021.
Log and sawnwood imports
Log imports from Africa in August 2022 amounted to
112,240 cu.m at a value of US$43.70 million.
The average price of imported logs in August 2022 was
US$389/cu.m, up 9.3% compared to July 2022 and up
5.6% compared to August 2021.
In the first 8 months of 2022 the average price of logs
imported from Africa to Vietnam was US$368/cu.m, up
1.2% over the same period in 2021.
In August 2022 imports of logs from Cameroon,
Equatorial Guinea, Democratic Republic of Congo,
Nigeria increased against July 2022 and August 2021.
Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea were the two biggest
suppliers of tropical hardwood for Vietnam.
Sawnwood imports from Africa to Vietnam in August
2022 reached 44,770 cu.m with a value of US$17.58
million, up 18% in volume and 33% in value compared to
July 2022 and an increase of 54.4% in volume and an
increase of 63% in value compared to August 2021.
Over the first 8 months of 2022 sawnwood imports from
Africa reached 314,770 cu.m, with a value of US$120,530,
up 9% in volume and 15% in value over the same period
in 2021. The average price of sawnwood imported from
Africa to Vietnam in August 2022 was at US$393/cu.m,
up 13% compared to July 2022 and up 5.4% compared to
August 2021.
In the first 8 months of 2022, the average price of
sawnwood from Africa was US$383/cu.m, up 5% over
the same period in 2021. Sawnwood imports increased
mainly due to imports from Cameroon, Gabon and
Angola.
.
8. BRAZIL
Future of the
Brazilian furniture sector
During the first half of October 2022 the 30th MOVERGS
Congress (Furniture Industry Association of Rio Grande
do Sul) was held in Bento Gonçalves, Rio Grande do Sul,
one of the main furniture clusters in Brazil. The event
attracted more than 400 professionals from the furniture
sector. The event was held with support from the Bento
Gonçalves Furniture Industry Union (Sindmóveis),
Messem XP Investments and SEBRAE (Brazilian Support
Service to Micro and Small Businesses).
The congress opened with an overview of prospects for the
furniture sector made by a representative of the University
of Vale do Rio dos Sinos (UNISINOS) This suggested
good growth in the sector going into 2023.Information on
producer and consumer price Indices, employment,
income trends, exports and production data were provided.
See: https://forestnews.com.br/congresso-movergs-debate-resultados-e-futuro-do-setor-moveleiro/(October,
2022)
Ipê survey in Acre and Mato Grosso – 40 million
commercial sized trees
In a study by Embrapa Florestas (Brazilian Agricultural
Research Corporation-PR) in forest areas under
sustainable forest management in the states of Acre and
Mato Grosso in the Amazon Region more than 40 million
commercial sized trees of the species Handroanthus
serratifolius (yellow Ipe) and Handroanthus impetiginosus
(purple Ipe) were mapped. This total number of trees did
not include seedlings or saplings.
The high incidence can be interpreted that Ipê trees are not
at risk of extinction. The results will serve as inputs for the
development of forest management regulations and
evaluation of the risk of over harvesting.
During 2020 the researchers were in the field in areas of
natural forests in the states of Acre and Mato Grosso to
survey the current situation of occurrence and growth of
the ipê. In Mato Grosso data from 2019 reported 17.6
million ha. suitable for forest management among 25
million ha of rainforest in the state.
The work also analysed the growth data of the species
through study of the growth rings of Ipê trees. With the
information on the reproductive maturity of the species it
was possible to assess that under SFM conservation of the
species is assured.
Source:https://cipem.org.br/noticias/estudo-comprova-amplaocorrencia-do-ipe-nas-florestas-do-brasil
(September, 2022)
Export update
In September 2022 Brazilian exports of wood products
(except pulp and paper) declined 11% in value compared
to September 2021, from US$382.0 million to US$341.6
million.
Pine sawnwood exports dropped 15% in value compared
to September 2021 (US$82.2 million) and September 2022
(US$69.7 million).
In volume, exports also dropped but by 17% over the
same period, from 293,100 cu.m to 242,300 cu.m.
Tropical sawnwood exports declined 14% in volume, from
35,900 cu.m in September 2021 to 30,800 cu.m in
September 2022. In value, exports grew 21% from
US$12.2 million to US$14.8 million over the same period.
Pine plywood exports witnessed a 48% decrease in value
in September 2022 compared to September 2021 from
US$79.4 million to US$41.7 million. In volume, exports
also decreased but only by 28% over the same period,
from 159,100 cu.m to 114,100 cu.m.
As for tropical plywood, exports dropped in volume by a
massive 63% and in value by 56%, from 9,000 cu.m and
US$5.2 million in September 2021 to 2,300 cu.m and
US$3.3 million in September 2022.
As for wooden furniture, the exported value fell from
US$71.8 million in September 2021 to US$53.8 million in
September 2022, a 25% decline .
Markets for Brazilian furniture exports
During the early part of the second half of this year the
United States remained the main destination for Brazilian
furniture, accounting for 44% of exports. While Uruguay,
was in second place importing 7.4% of the volume
exported by the Brazilian furniture industry. In terms of
market growth exports to France were the highlight,
almost doubling, to be the third largest destination for
Brazilian furniture exports with a share of 6.4% of the
total.
So far 2022 has seen an expansion of furniture exports and
it is projected that growth will continue at a much higher
pace than even the pre-pandemic time. Furniture exports
have expanded 500% over the last five years.
See:
https://forestnews.com.br/abimovel-franca-e-terceiro-maiordestino-das-exportacoes-de-moveis/
9. PERU
Exports continue to rise
but risks ahead
Between January and July 2022 exports of wood products
totalled US$84.9 million, a 26% rise year on year
according to the management of the Services and
Extractive Industries of the Association of Exporters
(ADEX).
The recovery of shipments in the first seven months
compared to last year was driven by imports by China and
France which accounted for 20% and 18% respectively.
Other markets were the Dominican Republic (up 13%) and
Vietnam (up 190%).
It is noteworthy that the most sought after products were:
HS 4409229020 (except ipe)
accounting for 23.5% of shipments (up 13%)
HS4407299000
accounting for 23% of shipments (up 120%)
HS4407990000
accounting for 9.8% of shipments (up 101%)
HS4409229090
accounting for 9% of shipments (up 300%)
Number of exporting companies rising
According to the Center for Research on Global Economy
and Business in the Association of Exporters CIENADEX,
in the first half of 2022 the number of exporting
companies was 6,231, an increase compared to the same
period in 2021.
By size, 4,035 were micro-enterprises, 1,788 were small
enterprises, 100 were medium and 308 were large
companies.
Despite the high number of SMEs they could only achieve
around 6% of the US$ FOB value earned in the first half
of the year.
Training of trainers in community forest management
The National Forestry and Wildlife Service (SERFOR),
the Regional Forestry and Wildlife Management of the
Regional Government of Ucayali (GOREU) and the NGO
Rights, Environment and Natural Resources (DAR)
announced the results of the Intercultural Program for the
Training of Trainers in Community Forest Management,
"Forest Guides".
This programme was implemented by SERFOR between
2020 and 2022. Ucayali now has 33 indigenous trainers or
Forest Guides capable of transferring knowledge on
community forest management to communities so that
they can efficiently manage forest resources.
The Forest Guides belong to communities of five
indigenous peoples: Ashaninka, Asheninka, Amawaka,
Yine and Shipibo-Konibo; and also to the technical teams
of the Regional Organization of AIDESEP (ORAU), the
Regional Union of the Indigenous Peoples of the Amazon
of the Province of Atalaya (URPIA) and the Regional
Coordinator of the Indigenous Peoples of Atalaya
(CORPIAA).
This year, the Forest Guides were able to train 274
members belonging to 17 native communities on topics
such as community forest management, wood
quantification, forest fire prevention and infractions and
sanctions, in their native languages.
