Sapele prices have (LM 259 Euro/cbm B 244 Euro/cbm B/C 206 Euro/cbm) risen sharply on heavy demand. Supplies come mainly from Congo Brazzaville and the Central African Republic. Producers report that China also is buying Sapele.

Sipo prices have slipped lower (LM 259Euro/cbm B 244 Euro/cbm) and are weakening due to the heavy competition from Sapele which appears to be the preferred species right now. Demand has reportedly improved for Moabi though prices are stable (LM 221 Euro/cbm, B 198 Euro/cbm) and production is only moderate.

At the moment reports indicate that Ayous (LM 175 Euro/cbm, B 160 Euro/cbm, B/C 106 Euro/cbm) production is very low despite improved demand from Germany as well as Italy. Analysts expect prices to firm up in the next month.

Movingui prices have reportedly dropped sharply due to heavy stocks of logs in French ports and also in Gabon.

Buyers for the Chinese market are still pressing hard for reductions in the prices for Okoume logs (200 US$ FAS). Some direct buyer contacts with log producers led to agreed lower prices but the SNBG the government sales organization refused to approve contracts prices below the official prices.

Sawmillers in the Cameroon are anxiously waiting for the Forest Minister to release new authorizations for the limited logging allowed under the Coupe Familiale system. Log supplies are currently very tight and logs for domestic milling are trading at almost same price levels as export log prices.

Markets in Europe are reported still very quiet having not moved since the Christmas and New Year holiday period. Prices, say analysts, are likely to remain dull over the winter. Asian buying is also slow and is likely to remain quiet until after the Chinese New Year.