Semi-Monthly
Sunday, January 31, 2016
ISSN 0021-4477
Volume 57 Number
2
U.S. forest products industry mission to Japan 2015
The U.S. Forestry
Industry Mission lead by
Paul Owen, the president
of Vanport International,
made its annual visit
to Japan. 27 mission
members visited the
related governmental
agencies, organizations,
and wood-related
companies to deepen
exchanges with Japanese
parties concerned
through sharing views
on various topics and had annual meetings with the Japan
Federation of Housing Organizations and the Japan
Lumber Importers’ Association (JLIA) at Hotel Okura in
Tokyo on December 8.
In the meeting, the first presentation was made by
Kiyotaka Okada, the Executive Director of JLIA, titled
“Wood Products Supply and Demand and Future Outlook
in Japan.” Mr. Okada explained trends of housing starts
and wood import, the current situation of utilization of
Japanese timber, and others. Japan’s import of American
logs for January-October 2015 decreased 12.3% over a
year ago, and that of American lumber dropped 13.4%.
“Decrease in demand is going on with logs for plywood
and square lumber for purlin and cross beam. In 2016,
import of laminated lumber from Europe is expected to
Hot Topic:
The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
was allocated 400.8 billion yen in the supplementary
budget for FY 2015, within which the budget related
to forestry was 59.2 billion yen.>> Page 2
Copyright © 2016, JLJ Inc.
increase and I think that competition for market share will
become more intense,” commented Mr. Okada.
Kevin Binam, President and CEO of Western Wood
Products Association, gave a presentation on behalf of
the delegation, showing construction forecasts for 2015
with 660,000 units of detached houses, 457,000 units
of condominiums, 65,000 units of prefabricated houses
(including portable building and others). He told that the
housing construction in the US had been returning to
the normal level of 1,000,000-1,500,000 units. Lumber
production is growing in the south and wood imports from
Latin America are increasing, he pointed out. US exports
of wood are decreasing and the amount of export to Japan
in 2015 is 282,000 cubic meters, mentioned Mr. Binam.
In a free discussion session, the US side asked questions
such as, “How is LVL made of cedar used in Japan?”,
and “What kind of policies are taken to promote domestic
wood?”, and an attendee from Japan answered. The Japan
side asked the question, “Why is the lumber production
increasing in the south?” The US side answered that the
economic growth has been high in the south and that there
has been an increase in production capacity due to an entry
(Continued on Page 2)
Japan Lumber Journal
Sunday, January 31, 2016
Page 2
of the Canada’s large corporation.
At the end of the session, Yasunobu
Kitaohji of POLUS-TEC Co.,
Ltd. joined as a guest and offered
information of the lumber products
the company uses at its pre-cutting
factory.
American Softwoods Japan Office
h o s t e d “ A m e r i c a n Wo o d 2 0 1 5
Reception” after the meeting, and
the delegation members and invited
Japanese parties concerned deepened
exchanges while enjoying a meal.
:Government:
Supplementary
budget for fiscal 2015
emphasizes on TPP
related measures
Following the supplementary budget
bill that was approved at a cabinet
meeting on December 18 last year,
the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry
and Fisheries was allocated 400.8
billion yen (144.8 billion yen for
public works and 256.0 billion
yen for non-public works). Within
that amount, 312.2 billion yen
was set aside for costs related to
measures responding to the TransPacific Partnership (TPP). With this
supplementary budget, the ministry
will focus on the following points: 1)
promotion of measures based on the
“general principles of policies related
to TPP”, 2) promotion of measures
based on the “plan to create vitality
for agriculture, forestry, and fishery
industries and for region “, and 3)
promotion of disaster prevention and
disaster mitigation measures, and
efforts will be put into policies that
carry out these points.
Concerning items related to forestry,
a total of 59.2 billion yen (27.7
billion yen for public works and 31.5
billion for non-public works) was
appropriated. Within this amount
concerning measures regarding TPP,
29.0 billion yen was allocated for
“projects and measures (funding) to
strengthen productivity of plywood
and lumber products”. Under a new
international environment due to TPP,
support will be given to projects such
as maintenance of road networks and
production of wood material gathered
from forest thinnings in order to
supply logs stably to facilities that
will be equipped and maintained
such as plywood factories and lumber
product factories with the purpose
of strengthening the structure and
productivity. For implementing these
targeted projects, a subsidy within
half the cost of the project will be
paid.
As a policy objective, the amount of
supply and use of domestic wood will
be increased to 39.00 million m3 in
fiscal 2020 (21.74 million m3 in fiscal
2013); good results are expected
from strengthening the production
structure by the project.
Furthermore, because the
implementation of government
measures concerning illegal logging
have been defined under the TPP
Agreement, 200 million yen was
allocated for “emergency measures
for illegal logging”, and measure will
be made to promote the use of legal
lumber and to collect information
from sites involved in illegal logging.
With these steps, the percentage of
certified legal lumber among lumber
imports will be increased from 38%
in fiscal 2014 up to 70% in 2020.
For “special support for lumber
products”, which was allocated
100 million yen, support will be
given to activities that promote
sales of exported lumber in export
destination countries; activities
include developing specifications
for new lumber products for export,
conducting trial production and
improvement of lumber products,
creating a marketing brand for
lumber products produced in Japan,
displaying lumber products, and
gathering and providing market
information.
In other areas, the budget allocated
1.8 billion yen for “emergency
measures to expand the use of
regional wood material”, 300
million yen for “measures for the
development of human resources
for forestry” to ensure new forestry
workers, and 100 million yen for
“emergency measures regarding
damage caused by deer and projects
for capture”.
Among public works projects, the
budget allocated 17.1 billion yen for
“projects for forest maintenance”
including forest thinnings and 4.9
billion yen for “afforestation and
forest conservation projects”.
<Production amount was forecasted
to maintain with the enactment of the
TPP>
At the end of last year, the Ministry
of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
announced the results of trial
calculations of every item that is
related to the effects of the enactment
of TPP. According to the results
concerning plywood, the price of
imported products, after the repeal of
tariffs, will decline equivalent to the
value of tariffs, so from the viewpoint
of maintaining competitiveness, the
price of domestic products will also
decline, and the domestic production
value will decrease about 21.9 billion
yen.
However, the amount of domestic
production as well as the income
of producers are expected to be
maintained because a condition
of being able to gain a profit will
(Continued on Page 3)
Japan Lumber Journal
Sunday, January 31, 2016
Page 3
be made by properly working
to improve productivity and to
strengthen the structure due to
“projects and measures to strengthen
productivity of plywood and lumber
products”, which was included in the
supplementary budget.
:Forecast:
The estimate of
construction investment
for fiscal 2015
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure,
Transport and Tourism released its
estimate of construction investment
for fiscal 2015. According to the
report, the construction investment
for fiscal 2015 is expected to decrease
5.5% from the estimated figure for
fiscal 2014 to 48.46 trillion yen. In
detail, governmental investment will
be 20.16 trillion yen (down 14.2%),
and private investment will be 28.3
trillion yen (up 1.8%). By categories
of building and civil engineering,
building investment will be 25.93
trillion yen (up 0.3%) and investment
for civil engineering will be 22.53
trillion yen (down 11.4%).
The estimate of construction
investment is based on expected
turnover of the all construction
projects throughout Japan. The
reference for the governmental
investment is the government
economic outlook, the budget and
execution progress of the public
projects, and local finance plans,
and that for the private investment
is housing starts and construction
statistics, the government economic
outlook, and others. The construction
investment does not include
private maintenance work such as
remodeling.
The construction investment has
been in a downward trend, after it
hit a peak of 84 trillion yen in fiscal
1992. It dropped to 42 trillion yen
in fiscal 2010, half of the peak, but
afterwards it slightly recovered due
to the demand for rehabilitation and
reconstruction following the Great
East Japan Earthquake.
It is estimated to reduce from the
previous year ’s figure in fiscal
2015 as a whole. Although there is
governmental investment related to
the reconstruction budget and the
supplementary budget for fiscal 2014,
public works in the civil engineering
sector is decreasing.
The investment in the housing sector
is expected to increase 1.3% from
the estimated figure for fiscal 2014 to
15.39 trillion yen. Private investment
is forecast to recover, sharing 14.84
trillion yen (up 1.9%).
On the other hand, the investment in
the non-housing sector is estimated
to decrease by 1.1% to 10.54
trillion yen, of which governmental
investment in particular is expected
to fall sharply (down 14.3%) to 1.74
trillion yen. But private investment
is anticipated to increase 2% to 8.8
trillion yen since the increase in
capital investment can be expected,
with the economic recovery being
felt and business confidence being
improving.
The investment in the remodeling
and renewal of buildings for fiscal
2015 is estimated to be 11.23 trillion
yen (up 6.7% from the estimated
figure for fiscal 2014), which is
shared 41.8% by the housing sector
and 58.2% by the non-housing one.
JAPAN DIY HOMECENTER SHOW 2016
August 25-27 2016, Makuhari Messe (location; Tokyo suburb)
Exhibit Categories including; Building Materials/Timber, Interior Materials / Home Furnishing
Goods, Exterior Goods, Gardening / Agricultural Materials, etc.
Organized by JAPAN DIY INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION
URL:http://www.diy.or.jp
For exhibit inquiry, please contact: Overseas OperationOffice
SPACE MEDIA JAPAN CO., LTD
The briefing for the JAPAN DIY
HOMECENTER SHOW 2016 was held
Kosaikaikan Bldg. 2F., 5-1 Kojimachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0083, Japan
Tel.(81)3-3512-5670 Fax.(81)3-3512-5680
URL:http://www.smj.co.jp E-mail: [email protected]
Japan Lumber Journal
Sunday, January 31, 2016
Page 4
:Wholesalers’ view:
smooth after the start of the new
year, and shortage of logs at plywood
factories is over.
Southsea timber market
in January
(Continued on Page 5)
According to the document released
by the Tokyo chapter of the Japan
Southsea Lumber Conference, as
for conditions in producing areas
in December, the rainy season has
started in Indonesia. The water
level in the river rose, and the
transportation of logs are smooth.
As the transportation of logs that had
been felled during the dry season
has started, inventories of logs at
plywood factories are on the rise.
Transportation is expected to be
FOB of Southsea Logs
2015
Highest
Lowest
(US$ per cubic meter)
2015
2016
Nov
Dec
Jan
1st Week 1st Week 1st Week
300-304
275-279
284-288
275-279
275-279
(Small 70%, S.S. 30%)
255-259 237-241
Ocean Freight
Sarawak
54.8
54.0
Yen/US$
*SQ = second quality, S.S. = super small
240-244
237-241
237-241
54.0
120.5
54.0
123.0
54.0
121.0
Sarawak Logs
Meranti SQ-up
Meranti Small
Imports of Southsea Logs by Origin
Supply/Demand of Southsea Logs
(1,000 cubic meter)
Southsea Logs
Import
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015 YTD
Jan.
Feb.
Mar.
Apr.
May
June
July
Aug.
Sep.
Oct.
Nov.
Dec.
As for orders from Japan, there
is a stable flow of orders for floor
bases, but there are not many orders
Total Sabah SRWK
510.9
94.6
360.3
332.7 121.1
255.5
292.2
63.8
180.7
265.9
86.4
143.5
216.0
90.1
81.3
22.1
8.6
11.4
19.3
5.8
6.5
7.1
7.1
15.0
4.9
3.9
31.8
12.1
19.7
19.7
8.7
7.4
15.1
7.8
1.0
11.3
5.9
5.4
20.9
7.0
7.7
37.8
21.1
3.2
16.0
8.0
8.0
Slmn. PNG
42.5
58.7
18.5 115.8
21.3
67.0
4.5
55.8
16.1
28.6
2.0
2.8
4.2
6.2
3.6
3.8
2.4
2.4
3.8
3.6
9.9
-
Import
Total
510.9
332.7
2011
2012
(1,000 cubic meter)
Southsea Logs
Stock
Demand
Total for PW for Lbr
559.6
467.3
92.3 138.0
509.1
402.4
106.8 140.1
2013
2014
2015 YTD
Jan.
Feb.
Mar.
Apr.
May
June
July
Aug.
Sep.
292.2
265.9
216.0
22.1
19.3
7.1
15.0
31.8
19.7
15.1
11.3
20.9
375.8
304.5
230.9
18.9
18.7
22.3
17.4
24.0
22.2
20.4
17.3
24.4
299.7
214.7
175.1
13.9
12.5
17.0
12.7
21.0
16.6
13.0
14.0
20.6
76.1
89.8
55.8
5.0
6.2
5.3
4.7
2.9
5.5
7.4
3.3
3.8
77.6
78.2
63.0
60.5
68.4
65.9
60.6
54.7
51.2
Oct.
Nov.
Dec.
37.8
16.0
23.2
22.2
17.0
16.9
6.2
5.3
65.7
59.6
97.0
84.7
Import Results of Southsea Lumber Products
Overall Lumber Products
YTD
Lumber
YTD
y/y
Processed lumber
YTD
y/y
(unit: cubic meter; %)
Free boards
YTD
y/y
y/y
2015 Nov
China
Malaysia
Indonesia
15,798 179,054 -20.5
7,331
555
7,688
15.6 5,018 53,102 -28.4 10,225 118,264 -18.1
79,671 -14.0 4,192 47,611 -13.8 2,805 27,018 -11.0
14,639 143,079
-4.6 1,746 16,496
-6.3 3,477 35,958
334
5,042 -28.3
7.8
9,416
90,625
25,394 -13.7
Vietnam
3,621
36,491
-9.0
345
2,242
0.2
714
8,855
4.6
2,562
Philippines
1,791
15,939
2.9
716
7,023
2.2
417
3,461
3.0
658
5,455
-8.5
3.6
Japan Lumber Journal
Sunday, January 31, 2016
Page 5
for other items. It was decided that
the minimum wages for workers
will be raised by around 12% in
2016, and suppliers are becoming
inclined to refuse the negotiations on
lower product prices. In accordance
with the decline in demand and
lower selling prices in Japan, more
suppliers are increasing sales of
products for other countries.
The raisin season has started in
Sarawak and Sabah, Malaysia, and
it has been raining in logging areas
every day. There are not many
days when logging work can be
performed, and the log cut has been
declining. Due to the year-end and
New Year holidays, the number of
workers available is declining, and
prices of logs may increase after
the start of the new year. However,
the log inventories at factories are
currently at sufficient level, and
shippers are actively receiving orders
for products.
The arrival of Southsea logs in
November was 16,017 cubic meters,
and the arrival from Sabah and
Sarawak are around 8,000 cubic
meters each. The shipment was
22,163 cubic meters while the
inventory was down to 59,555 cubic
meters for 2.76 months.
The actual import of Southsea lumber
products in November was 8,057
cubic meters for lumber, 12,640 cubic
meters for processed lumber and
23,887 cubic meters for free boards.
The total of the import was 44,584
cubic meters. The arrival of lumber
was down by 10.1% from the same
month in the previous year while
the arrival of processed lumber and
free boards was down by 15.0% and
13.6% respectively. The declining
trend continues for the arrival.
:Wholesalers’ view:
American timber
market in January
“Timber demand fails to increase
in China, and the sales of used
houses seem to have slowed down
in the U.S,” said the chairman, Mr.
Enokido, at the meeting of the Keihin
chapter of the Japan North American
Lumber Conference which was held
on January 13 in Shinkiba, Tokyo,
talking about the global timber
demand which displays a sense of
uncertainty. Under the circumstances,
he made a prediction on the timber
demand in Japan in 2016 and said
that there would be a rush demand
for timber in the latter half of this
year before the increase in the
consumption tax in 2017 while the
market would remain quiet as it had
been last year. Also, as keywords that
can be used to consider the timber
demand this year, he cited phrases
such as “renovation of empty houses
whose number is said to be 8 million
units nationwide” or “renovation
which utilizes the Japanese taste with
a focus on travelers from abroad”.
As for conditions in producing areas
of North American lumber, the
volume of spruce logging increases,
and the supply of spruce is in
excess. This is due to an impact of
the price increase in the last year.
However, there is not much demand
in Japan, and the supply of lowgrade lumber is likely to become
excessive. Purchasing activities are
being suspended in China due to
the lunar New Year, which is also
damaging. The production of yellow
cedar is low, and the balance between
the production and sales volume is
good. As for hemlock, the shipment
for China is not good, and the low(Continued on Page 6)
Movement of American Logs in Keihin Ports
(Unit: cubic meter)
Monthly Results in November
Softwood Logs
Hemlock
Douglas Fir
Spruce
Arrival Shipment Ending Inventory *Inventory Rate
0
1,870
0
69
779
2
231
2,642
4
1.18
2.61
1.33
Overall Softwood Logs
1,870
850
2,877
*Inventory rate: Ending Inventory / Average shipments for the last 3 months
**Since April 2015, semi-finished products are included in lumber products.
2.37
Wholesale Price of American Logs in Keihin Ports
Logs
RC No.3, 12"up (Alaska)
YC pole, 6"up (Alaska)
Sp No.2, 24"up (Alaska)
Hem No.3, 12"up, Cascade
Hem No.3, 12"up, Coast
Hem, medium dia. 8/11 (J-sort)
DF No.3, 12"up, Cascade
DF No.3, 12"up, SS
DF No.3, 12"up, Coast
DF, medium dia. 8/11 (J-sort)
Sept
(1,000 yen / cubic meter)
2015
2016
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
41.04
35.64
102.2
24.84
23.4
23.04
34.92
28.8
26.64
24.84
41.04
35.64
102.2
24.84
23.4
23.04
34.92
28.8
26.64
24.84
41.04
35.64
102.2
24.84
23.4
23.04
34.92
28.8
26.64
24.84
41.04
35.64
102.2
24.84
23.4
23.04
34.92
28.8
26.64
24.84
41.04
35.64
102.2
24.84
23.4
23.04
34.92
28.8
26.64
24.84
Japan Lumber Journal
Sunday, January 31, 2016
Page 6
Movement of American Lumber in Keihin Ports
(Unit: cubic meter)
Arrival
Monthly Results in November
Small Square Lumber
Hem 4-1/8"
4,483
Hem 3-9/16"
5,051
sub total
9,534
Other Lumber Products
Hemlock
Douglas Fir, SS
Douglas Fir
Yellow Cedar
Spruce
SPF
Shipment Ending Inventory *Inventory Rate
2,777
9,982
7,318
2,224
1,010
46,727
4,565
5,008
9,573
4,996
5,238
10,234
1.13
1.18
1.15
3,321
10,889
7,033
2,601
1,337
47,647
8,505
16,311
8,235
6,211
3,349
8,703
1.56
1.94
1.68
3.49
2.62
0.18
Overall Softwood Lumber 81,350
83,629
65,341
*Inventory rate: Ending Inventory / Average shipments for the last 3 months
0.79
Wholesale Price of American Lumber in Keihin Ports
Hem 105mm sq., roof beam, std
Hem 105mm sq., roof beam, KD
Hem 90mm sq., purlin, std.
Hem 90mm sq., purlin, KD.
Hem 45 x 90mm, batten products, KD
DF 105mm sq., roof beam, Green
DF 105mm sq., roof beam, KD
DF 90mm sq., purlin, Green
DF 90mm sq., purlin, KD
DF 45 x 90mm, batten products, KD
DF 45 x 60mm, batten products, KD
YC 4-3/16" rough, HC
YC 4-13/16" rough, HC
YC 5x6W, random length, BC Clear
Spruce 8-3/4" Clear
Hem 6-1/2" Clear
Nordic 3m x 27 x 105, stud, KD
㻿㼑㼜㼠
52
59
52
59
64
50
58
50
58
64
66
56
56
150
240
130
61
(1,000 yen / cubic meter)
2015
2016
Ｏｃｔ Ｎｏｖ 㻰㼑㼏
㻶㼍㼚
52
52
52
52
59
59
59
59
52
52
52
52
59
59
59
59
64
64
64
64
50
50
50
50
58
58
58
58
50
50
50
50
58
58
58
58
64
64
64
64
66
66
66
66
56
56
56
56
56
56
56
56
150
150
150
150
240
240
240
240
130
130
130
130
61
61
61
61
Supply/Demand of American Timber
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
YTD
Jan.
Feb.
Mar.
Apr.
May
June
July
Aug.
Sept.
Oct.
Nov.
Dec.
Log
3,078
3,048
3,420
3,093
2,324
193
174
254
187
240
234
150
271
163
233
225
Import
Lumber Total
2,786 5,864
2,753 5,801
2,867 6,287
2,362 5,455
2,155
194
152
199
217
184
205
202
188
182
228
202
4,479
387
326
453
404
424
439
353
460
345
462
427
Consumption
Log Lumber Total
3,129
2,751 5,880
3,059
2,766 5,825
3,421
2,837 6,258
3,073
2,430 5,503
2,394
236
172
274
164
247
236
201
167
266
270
161
2,176
207
157
195
208
215
213
200
182
169
219
211
4,570
443
329
469
372
462
448
401
349
435
489
373
(1,000 cubic meters)
Stocks
Log Lumber Total
258
207
466
248
194
442
269
223
492
288
155
443
245
247
226
151
243
242
191
295
192
156
219
142
138
142
151
145
137
140
146
159
168
159
388
385
369
303
388
379
330
441
351
324
378
grade products are in excess. There
is an intention to sell them in Japan.
However, they don’t sell in Japan
as there is no demand for them. The
problem in Japan is that upstream
traders have inventories of highpriced products due to the timing of
the currency exchange.
The domestic market has been quiet
since the start of the new year. The
purchase activities by precut factories
have become stabilized, and there is
no major event which will change
prices. Due to the warm winter
weather which lasted till the year end,
the logging operation for Japanese
cedar and cypress went smoothly, and
European lumber products in short
supply, which some people have been
talking about, seem to be adequately
substituted by domestic products. As
for prices of North American lumber
products in January, prices of all
items did not change from prices in
December last year, and the market
indications were also unchanged.
As for the arrival and shipment of
North American lumber products in
November at Keihin ports, the arrival
was 81,350 cubic meters while the
shipment was 83,629 cubic meters
with the inventory at the end of
November standing at 65,341 cubic
meters or 0.79 months.
The arrival and shipment of Douglas
fir small square and other products
are good, and the arrival and
shipment of small square continue
to be 10,000 cubic meters for 3
consecutive months.
As for logs, the conditions at
sawmills have not changed much.
As for prices in January, prices of
both hemlock and Douglas fir were
unchanged from December last year,
and the market indications held from
the previous month.
(Continued on Page 7)
Japan Lumber Journal
Sunday, January 31, 2016
Page 7
:Wholesalers’ view:
C o m m i t t e e o f To k y o L u m b e r
Wholesalers’ Association was held
Tokyo wholesale market for the first time this year on January
8th at Mokuzai Kaikan in Shinkiba. A
in January
person in charge of precut reported,
“Factories were busily operated
Lumber Price Market Investigation
early in the new year because they
have much work
which was not
Wholesalers' Market Prices in Kiba, Tokyo
(lumber & logs 1,000 yen / cbm; plywood 1,000 yen / sheet; CP 1,000 yen / piece) completed by the
2016
end of last year.”
2015
January
item
grade
Dec
Some attendees
JRC-Akita, narrow width board for rail
special 1st
55
55 holding
m e n t i o n e d
JRC-Akita Taruki (rafter)
KD special 1st
62
62
"
“unclear outlook”
JRC-Akita kowari lumber
Air-Dried
0.24
0.24
"
for lumber
*JRC-Akita, laminated kudabashira (CP)
5-ply
2.3
"
demand after
JRC-Tokai, baby square for roof beam
KD planed special 1st
70
70
"
spring. Processing
JC-Tokai, baby square for sill
KD planed special 1st
100
100
"
work of wood
JC-Tokai, batten products
KD planed special 1st
68
68
"
batten products
JRC-Kishu, baby square for post
special 1st
58
58
"
as well as
JC-Kishu, baby square for post
special 1st
92
92
"
structural lumber
JRC-Kyushu, baby square for post (3m)
KD, bundle
55
55
"
JRC-Kyushu, baby square for post (4m)
KD, bundle
55
55
"
is increasing at
JRC-Kyushu, hirawari for mabashira (studs, 3m)
KD, bundle
54
54
"
precut factories.
JRC-Kyushu, hirawari for mabashira (studs, 4m)
KD, bundle
54
54
"
“Demand for
Ash, plain board
dried, special
352.8 360.0 stronger
green lumber
Alaskan Spruce log
No.3
118.8 118.8 holding
really decreased,”
DF log
No.3 Coast
39.96 39.96
"
a person involved
Spruce, flitch
Select Merch
90
90
"
i n K y u s y u
*DF, hirakaku, green (home sawn)
57
"
timber pointed
DF, hirakaku, KD (home sawn)
71
71
"
out. From this
DF, laminated beam (imported)
123
123
"
year Douglas fir
Redwood, laminated beam (imported)
79
79
"
JRC&DF, hybrid laminated beam
78
78
"
green ‘hirakaku’
Hem, baby square (imported, 4m*10.5cm*10.5cm)
KD (S4S)
57
57
"
was removed
Hem, baby square (imported, 4m*4.5cm*10.5cm)
KD (S4S)
60
60
"
from the items
DF, baby square (imported, 4m*10.5cm*10.5cm)
KD (S4S)
57
57
"
whose prices are
DF, baby square (imported, 4m*4.5cm*6.0cm)
KD (S4S)
60
60
"
investigated at
72
72
YC, baby square (imported)
green (FOHC)
"
the Committee
59
59
Hem, treated sill
special 1st
"
meeting.
Red Pine, Taruki (rafter, imported) KD
75
75
"
I n N o v e m b e r, t h e a r r i v a l a n d
shipment at the Kashima Port that
supplies logs for the Kashima
Factory of Chugoku Mokuzai Co.,
Ltd. returned to the regular pace,
standing at 54,966 cubic meters.
Red Pine KD
Red Pine, stud (mabashira)
Whitewood, stud (mabashira, imported)
Whitewood, kudabashira (CP)
WS, square edged (imported)
Mercusi Pine, laminated lumber
Yunshan Cedar lumber, KD
Red Pine, laminated lumber
Lauan plywood, Type II
CF plywood, Type I (imported)
Lauan structural plywood (imported)
Softwood structural plywood, Type I (12mm)
Softwood structural plywood, Type I (24mm)
1st
KD, pithless
5-ply
1st, treated
A-grade
A-grade
A-grade
1st, F4-star
JAS (A), F1-star
JAS, F4-star
JAS, F4-star
JAS, F4-star
JRC=Japanese Red Cedar, JC=Japanese Cypress, DF=Douglas Fir, Hem=Hemlock,
YC=Yellow Cedar, WS=White Seraya, CP=connective post, CF=concrete form
* Price survey on the items has been done since January 2016.
65
72
64
2.25
180
150
245
145
0.61
1.38
1.49
1.10
2.27
65
72
65
2.25
180
150
245
145
0.61
1.37
1.46
1.10
2.27
"
"
stronger
holding
"
"
"
"
"
weaker
"
holding
"
< J a p a n e s e
Timber>
Log output from
Akita timber
was smooth
and the price of
logs remained
unchanged.
There were
not big orders
for products in
J a n u a r y. To k a i
timber moved
(Continued on Page 8)
Japan Lumber Journal
Sunday, January 31, 2016
Page 8
centering custom-made lumber,
and the movement of wood batten
products and fixtures was active.
The price is not likely change at all.
The prices of B-grade and C-grade
logs from Kisyu and Owase timber
is bullish but those of A-grade logs
hovered at a high level. Sawmills
suffered from the high price of logs.
Supply of logs from Kyusyu timber
is decreasing in the market and the
amount of logs which are shipped
directly to manufacturers from
producing area is increasing. The
prices of B-grade and C-grade logs
used for biomass power generation
are high. The logs used for purlin
square and post through 2nd floor are
in short supply. Precut factories were
busy but the movement in existing
route is not active so much.
the price remained unchanged.
<’hirakaku’>
The movement of ‘hirakaku’ was
active because precut factories have
been busy since last fall. The price
has entered bullish trend as low price
disappeared.
As for Southsea lumber products,
the movement of lauan products
started to move in January. The
prices of products made in Malaysia
are bullishly holding. For mercusi
pine products, the price in Indonesia
remained unchanged and inquiries are
increasing in the domestic market.
For red pine laminated lumber, the
price increase is considered in China,
and the inquiries are increasing in the
domestic market as the movement
recovered.
<Hardwood>
The movement of products in
December slightly recovered. The
amount of ash products is sharply
decreasing as arrival of logs from
Russia is cancelled. The wholesale
price of ash products is increasing.
<Imported Timber>
The price of North American logs
in producing area seems to have
bottomed out. The price of logs
for Japan slightly increased last
December. Consumption of logs at
domestic sawmills has not progressed
as the demand for ‘hirakaku’ is
decreasing. Output of logs has been
stable at a low level. Alaskan spruce
logs arrived in last December. The
sales will start after the beginning of
the new year, and the price is expected
to remain unchanged. The use of
spruce custom cut for non-residential
buildings is expected to increase, but
Inquiries for North American lumber
products from precut factories were
active. Log output in producing area
is smooth and the price of products
in the first quarter slightly decreased
from the previous quarter. Production
of hemlock KD products will start in
January at producing area.
Russian red pine lumber products
have not arrived yet, so the
movement was slow. Next arrival is
expected after the middle of January.
Arrivals of European lumber did not
increase but extreme shortage has not
occurred. The product price of 27mm
X 105mm studs is slightly increased.
European lumber market has been
unpredictable since last year.
<Plywood>
Domestic softwood plywood is
in short supply, so each factory
is running at full capacity. The
inventories at manufacturers at
the end of November decreased to
124,000 cubic meters, and increasing
number of traders mentioned
shortages in the market. The arrivals
of imported plywood in November
remained at a low level (233,000
cubic meters), but the movement
was still slow and there remains a
feeling of oversupply in the market.
Trading companies reluctantly dealt
with small lot orders which were not
worth the cost in the market. The
wholesale price of imported plywood
for concrete form and structural use
is decreasing
<Precut>
Orders were favorable among precut
factories in December and operations
at factories continued until the end
of last year. Factories had orders in
the first half January, so they were
still busy. Housing starts in 2016 are
expected to be the same as in 2015.
In addition, processing work of wood
batten product at factories is likely to
increase this year.
:Statistics:
Plywood supply in
November
Compiled by the Japan Plywood
Manufacturers’ Association from the
Ministry of Finance’s Trade Statistics,
the amount of imported plywood
in November greatly decreased
to 233,000 m³ (18.6% decrease
compared to the same month in the
previous year). It decreased 14.2%
compared to the previous month and
returned to the same levels as last
year’s sluggish summer reflecting
the dull condition of the domestic
market. Based on country, the amount
from Malaysia, which has the largest
amount of imports, was 96,000 m³
(27.5% decrease), and the amount
from Indonesia was 70,000 m³ (7.4%
decrease) decreasing for the 14 th
consecutive month. The amount
from China was 51,000 m³ (16.7%
decrease) showing a 2-digit decrease
for the 3rd consecutive month. The
value of the imported plywood (CIF)
in November was 15.1813 billion yen
(15.9% decrease).
According to Plywood Statistics
compiled by the Statistics Department
of the Ministry of Agriculture,
(Continued on Page 9)
Japan Lumber Journal
Sunday, January 31, 2016
Page 9
tougher this year.
of a shortage in the market.
Forestry and Fisheries, the amount
of production of regular plywood in
November was 248,000 m³ (8.2%
increase compared to the same month
in the previous year) increasing
for the 4 th consecutive month, but
because the amount of shipments
increased for the 7 th consecutive
month to 258,000 m³ (16.8%
increase), the amount of stocks at
the end of the month decreased
to 167,000 m³ (38.2% decrease).
Among regular plywood, the amount
of production of softwood plywood
increased for the 3 rd consecutive
month to 232,000 m³ (8.7% increase).
The amount of shipments increased
for the 7 th consecutive month to
243,000 m³ (18.2% increase), and
the amount of stocks at the end of
the month decreased to 124,000 m³
(45.3% decrease). The low level of
stocks is becoming proof for a feeling
The arrival of European softwood
lumber products in November
increased to 221,814 cubic meters,
up by 44.7% from the previous year
and up by 29.0% from the previous
month. It was the first time in 3
months since August that the arrival
hit the 220,000 cubic-meter level.
As for the arrival by country, while
the arrival from Romania made
a significant decline, the arrival
from other countries increased
significantly. The arrival from main
countries, Finland and Sweden, is
strong, and the arrival from Austria is
increasing steadily.
:Statistics:
European Timber News
There has been a sense of supply
shortage for European lumber
products in the market since the
beginning of the year. However, as
domestic logs were felled smoothly
and there is an abundant supply of
domestic lumber products, items in
short supply seem to be increasingly
substituted by domestic lumber
products. Due to a currency trend,
euro-based European lumber is said
to have an advantage over the dollarbased North American lumber, but
the market share competition with
domestic lumber is expected to get
Amount of Imported Plywood by Countries
Malaysia
y/y
Overall Amount of Imported Plywood
Indonesia
China
y/y
2015
271,899 4.8
OCT
233,320 -18.6
NOV
DEC
YTD 2,680,526 -17.1
y/y
116,561 22.5
95,814 -27.5
87,888
69,939
1,126,117 -16.9
New Zealand
y/y
y/y
-0.4
-7.4
51,586
51,218
-14.9
-16.7
1,905 71.6
2,645 -19.8
793,816 -16.7
597,580
-16.2
22,469 -48.0
The arrival of laminated lumber in
November was 52,393 cubic meters,
up by 6.0% from the previous year.
It was up by 5.8% from the previous
month, and the arrival which had
declined made a slight
recovery. As for the
3
a r r i v a l b y c o u n t r y,
m；%
while the arrival
Taiwan
from Finland made a
y/y
significant recovery,
577 -67.5
the arrival from Austria
590 -55.8
has been on a declining
trend.
-38.8
10,270
Supply and Demand of Softwood Plywood
Domestic Production
3mm & below
y/y
2015
OCT 228,699
NOV 232,473
DEC
YTD 2,357,056
3-6mm
y/y
4.3
-
-
8.7
-
-
-2.0
-
-
6-12mm
y/y
1,663 -21.2
1,680 -12.8
22,257
0.7
m3； %
Shipment
Inventory
12mm & over
y/y
y/y
y/y
y/y
244,130 10.2
243,394 18.2
134,255 -38.7
124,399 -45.3
28,452 29.2
30,377 23.6
198,584
1.8
200,416
7.0
317,419 19.9
2,017,380
-4.7
2,461,498
7.0
-
-
The price of all
European lumber
products (CIF Port
Japan) in November
was 35,644 yen per
c u b i c m e t e r, d o w n
by 1.8% from 36,281
yen in the previous
(Continued on Page 10)
Supply and Demand of Regular Plywood
Domestic Production
3mm & below
3-6mm
6-12mm
y/y
2015
245,329
OCT
248,152
NOV
DEC
YTD 2,522,872
y/y
y/y
y/y
Shipment
Inventory
m3； %
Imports
Total Supply
in Japan
12mm & over
y/y
4.0
8.2
1,632
1,564
16.1
15.8
5,388 -21.8
5,750 -13.2
31,719 27.3
33,034 22.2
206,590
207,804
1.9
7.0
-2.1
18,711
19.4
64,284 -15.1
344,020 17.1
2,095,857
-4.4
y/y
y/y
y/y
259,800 8.9 177,473 -32.4
258,293 16.8 166,589 -38.2
271,899
4.8
233,320 -18.6
2,622,934
6.4
-
-
2,680,526 -17.1
y/y
517,228
481,472
4.4
-6.6
5,203,398 -10.5
Japan Lumber Journal
Sunday, January 31, 2016
Page 10
month. It was down by 5.7% from
the previous year, and local prices
continue to be strong.
Imports of European Laminated Lumber by Countries
unit : cubic meter; %
2015 YTD
OCT
NOV
DEC
Y/Y
Total FINLAND AUSTRIA ROMANIA ESTONIA others
604,424
223,486
107,547
166,937
52,326 54,128
49,532
17,203
7,500
19,091
2,375 3,363
52,393
24,036
7,084
12,359
4,870 4,044
The price of laminated lumber for
the structural use was 49,504 yen
per cubic meter, down by 0.1% from
6.0
29.3
-18.5
18.3
-18.6
-29.4
49,550 yen in the previous month.
It was also down by 4.5% from the
previous year, and
Imports of European Lumber by Countries
the price was at a
unit : cubic meter; %
standstill again in
Softwood Lumber
November. Prices
Total SWEDEN FINLAND AUSTRIA ROMANIA LATVIA CZECH others
o f l a m i n a t e d 2015 YTD 2,182,496 587,739 750,457 285,226
251,671 100,276 104,860 102,267
lumber for the
OCT
171,977
42,071
55,265
27,807
22,306
8,962
9,150
6,416
structural use
NOV
221,814
65,036
84,216
32,453
14,957
8,535
8,688
7,929
DEC
from all of main
Y/Y
44.7
53.8
56.2
108.1
-37.4
110.9
20.9
25.0
countries remain
weak.
Average Import Value for Major European Commodities
unit : Yen per cubic meter (CIF Japan ports); %
Softwood Lumber
Structural Laminated Lumber
All Europe SWEDEN FINLAND AUSTRIA ROMANIA All Europe FINLAND AUSTRIA ROMANIA ESTONIA
2015 OCT
36,281
32,902
32,927
40,491
41,333
49,550
50,487
49,320
48,031
51,046
NOV
35,644
32,948
32,781
40,863
40,349
49,504
50,511
48,673
47,197
50,131
DEC
Y/Y
-5.7
-9.5
-4.8
2.4
8.0
-4.5
-2.6
-6.1
-7.0
-2.8
Plywood Market 3rd Week January
Even after the start of the new year, delivery dates for the domestic softwood plywood have been missed frequently.
However, there is no news that the arrival of products after the scheduled delivery dates resulted in the suspension of
the on-site operations. It seems that the situation is not that dire. Manufacturers are hoping to manufacture products
on a full scale as the inventory volume has been declining. However, with the cold weather hitting Japan now, some
of factories fail to increase the production volume as they intend. It will take more time for the supply shortage of
softwood plywood to be mitigated.
As for the imported plywood, the sales without the cost taken into consideration are made by importers occasionally.
The strong yen and the prospects for weaker product prices seem to be the factor. The arrival of the imported
softwood plywood in November stayed at 233,000 cubic meters, and the total of the arrival from January through
November was not large, standing at 2,681,000 cubic meters or 83% of the previous year’s arrival. Still, due to
the sluggish movement of products, the port inventories are slow to be cleared, and trading companies continue to
struggle.
In Indonesia, the minimum wage for workers was raised this year, and the plywood factories were forced to further
increase the cost. There is little possibility that log prices will go down in Malaysia. The import business for the
lauan plywood is highly likely to change significantly in 2016.
Japan Lumber Journal
Sunday, January 31, 2016
Page 11
:Statistics:
Russian Timber News
The arrival of Russian logs in
November were 10,674 cubic
meters of larch and 1,317 cubic
meters of spruce/fir and 46 cubic
meters of hardwood. The demand
for larch from plywood and LVL
manufacturing factories is strong
because of the strong performance
of the wood. The arrival of larch has
been at the record number of between
10,000 and 20,000 cubic meters for
6 consecutive months. The arrival of
spruce/fir in November was the first
time in 3 months.
As for arrival of lumber products,
larch was 2,138 cubic meters, while
pine and fir as the major products was
58,925 cubic meters increasing 9.6%
from the previous month and 10.8%
from the previous year. The arrival
of pine and fir has been more than
50,000 cubic meters since the second
half of last year and the shortage of
high quality logs has been continuing
in the domestic market.
In November, the arrival of laminated
lumber for the structural use was
3,525 cubic meters increasing
37.3% from the previous year but
decreasing 29.4% from the previous
month. Monthly arrival has been
close to reaching 5,000 cubic meters,
but the trend was a little relenting in
November.
As for log prices (CIF Japan Port) in
November, larch was 15,766 yen per
cubic meter, increasing 2.4% from
the previous month and decreasing
14.7% from the previous year. The
price of spruce/fir was 16,002 yen per
cubic meter increasing 3.5% from the
previous year, and that of hardwood
(oak) was 147,043 yen per cubic
meter.
As for prices of lumber products,
larch was 28,368 yen per cubic
meter, and pine/fir as the major item
was 38,517 yen per cubic meter
remaining at the same level as the
previous month and decreasing 5.1%
from the previous year. Small price
movement has been continuing with
lumber products.
The price of laminated lumber for
the structural use was 44,530 yen
per cubic meter decreasing 0.2%
from the previous month and 5.7%
from the previous year. The price
movement has been small as lumber
products.
Imports of Russian Wooden Products
unit : cubic meter; %
Total
2015 YTD
OCT
NOV
DEC
Y/Y
141,484
16,359
12,037
59.4
Logs
Softwood
Hardwood Total
Larch
Pine Spruce/Fir
110,207 15,975
9,792
5,510 683,766
16,284
0
0
75 54,863
10,674
0
1,317
46 61,424
126.8
-
-51.2
-68.5
12.2
Lumber
Laminated Lumber
Softwood
Structural
Larch
Pine/Fir
46,745 664,319
47,594
639 53,765
4,996
2,138 58,925
3,525
165.9
10.8
37.3
Average Import Value for Major Russian Wooden Products
2015 OCT
NOV
DEC
Y/Y
Logs
Softwood
Hardwood
Larch
Pine Spruce/Fir
15,391
- 137,600
15,766
16,002 147,043
-14.7
-
-3.5
39.3
unit : Yen per cubic meter (CIF Japan Ports); %
Lumber
Laminated Lumber
Softwood
Structural
Larch
Pine/Fir
29,171 38,504
44,605
28,368 38,517
44,530
-13.1
-5.1
-5.7
News in Brief
Eco-Products 2015, one of the largest participatory and “hands-on” exhibition featuring environmental
technology, products and services in Japan, was held from December 10 to 12 at Tokyo Big Sight. At the event, 702
companies, associations, non-government organizations, non-profit organizations, government bodies, self-governing
bodies, universities, and research facilities set up exhibits, and 169,118 people were recorded visiting the exhibition.
(Continued on Page 12)
Japan Lumber Journal
Page 12
Sunday, January 31, 2016
The Japan Federation of WoodIndustry Associations proposed how
to use domestic wood material in
construction material for housing
and exterior use, furniture, and
daily products. The Tokyo Plywood
Manufacturers Association, Tohoku
Plywood Manufacturers Association,
and Japan Plywood Manufacturers’
Association also set up exhibits
and introduced various plywood
products made with domestic wood material. The Wood Design Award 2015 was held for the first time with the awards
announcement, presentation, and exhibit taking place at the event. Among 397 products receiving awards, the top award
(Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Award) went to Nishiawakura - Mori No Gakko Co., Ltd. Hida Sangyo
Co., Ltd. introduced various products made with compressed cedar material. Chairs designed by renowned furniture
designers with a beautiful finish were neatly on display, and flooring with an impressive, beautiful grain finish were also
exhibited. In the area introducing ecological kitchens, wall and flooring material made from Portuguese cork were used
in examples of renovation and remodeling.
The Japan LVL Association held its 3rd board of directors meeting
for fiscal 2015 on December 18 in Tokyo. A number of representatives
from member and supporting member companies nationwide attended the
meeting, and after discussion and approval of two items on the agenda,
mid-term reports were made by the secretariat concerning various projects
being conducted by working groups of the association. Prior to holding the
meeting, Ichiro Matsuda, the chairman of the association, said, “5 years
ago, the technology group was set up at the association, and while making
the working group with the participation of members, efforts were put into
the development of new products in the provinces. 10 items were created, and through the design secretariat, they were
used in various public projects,” expressing confidence in technological developments that are moving ahead smoothly.
He then strongly expressed to the attendees, “The production of LVL is greatly expanding mainly in structural use,
and demand for use in housing fixtures is also not bad. The potential in the use for non-housing is also expanding, and
LVL can be expected to develop and expand,” and an increase in manufacturers and further progress in technological
development are expected. Items on the agenda were: 1) cooperation in the full-scale, 6-story experimental building
being conducted mainly by the Japan 2x4 Builders Association and 2) confirmation of the schedule for fire-proof and
fire-resistant experiments for fiscal 2016, and both items were approved.
On December 17, the Japan Laminated Wood Products Association held an explanatory meeting for the mass
media concerning the projects and business of the association in fiscal 2015. Concerning improvements in the quality
of laminated lumber, which are the pillar of its activities, the association increased the number of its autonomous strength
testing such as Young’s modulus for bending based on JAS standards and bending strength (destructive experiments) of
laminated lumber products purchased in the distribution market to 344 examination cases for 49 items from 33 companies
in fiscal 2015. The testing included overseas company members and overseas products, and the results of the testing were
individually sent to the companies. Projects that contribute to the rationalization of the “marginal burn” (“moeshiro” in
Japanese) design method, which is a project of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, and projects
to examine revisions in the JAS standards were also continued. The amount of domestically manufactured laminated
lumber for structural use in 2014 was 1,409,000 m³, and the amount of imports was 728,000 m³. In 2015, the capacity at
domestic manufacturing factories was expected to expand, but on the other hand, the amount of imports was expected to
decrease slightly and to stall at about 700,000 m³. In 2016, the amount received from European suppliers is expected to
increase, and the building of new factories is also scheduled in Japan.
Japan Lumber Journal
Page 13
Sunday, January 31, 2016
On December 9, the Japan Cross Laminated Timber Association, a
general incorporated association, held a tour and meeting concerning
an experimental CLT structure under construction at the Building
Research Institute, a National Research and Development Agency
of Japan, in Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture. In the experimental
structure, 2 rooms were set up for environmental measurements on the
1st floor, and a large living space with a high ceiling was arranged on
the 2nd floor. Over 300 people from around Japan came to the event. The
experimental structure aims to create
a new wood constructed space using
the CLT construction method, and the
plan is to make use of the characteristics of large 6 x 2.7 meter panels that can be
manufactured domestically. Two U-shaped, high ceiling spaces using 6 meter long
CLT will be set up, and a large integrated space is being built by merging the two parts
together while shifting them little by little. Taking into account the use of CLT for
other than housing, large, seamless wood constructed walls and a flat roof using CLT
boards are also being used for the testing. Issues such as the standardization of panel
sizes, connections and joints using metal fittings, and the use of CLT as it is for the
interior will also be examined through the construction of this experimental structure.
The designer explained, “I’d like to examine in detail the walking vibration of the floor
and sound insulation performance of the floor.”
On December 25 in Tokyo, the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES), a public interest
incorporated foundation, held a seminar concerning the 21st session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 21)
of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which was held in Paris from
November 30 to December 11, 2015. At the seminar, members of IGES who attended COP 21 gave reports about the
issues and arguments at the conference after which individuals involved in government and business spoke about their
activities and conditions at the conference site. With the awareness of the climate change threatening social stability,
the participating countries at the meeting saw the necessity for a wide agreement. The following long term targets were
decided: 1) “Holding the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2 °C above pre-industrial levels and
to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to less than 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels,” 2) “Increasing the
ability to adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change and foster climate resilience and low greenhouse gas emissions
development,” and 3) “Making finance flows consistent with a pathway towards low carbon and climate resilient
development,” and each country agreed to work to achieve the targets. During the conference, a meeting was also held
with the participation of CEO’s from global companies, and efforts to respond to the climate change from the point of
view of business were also announced. With a commitment in place, investors have already made a paradigm shift from
low carbon to zero carbon.
The Tokyo Lumber Wholesalers’ Association held its New Year’s gathering at Mokuzai Kaikan in Shinkiba, Tokyo
on January 5. In his greetings speech as the representative of the host, Yoshiaki Kichijo, the chairman of the association,
said, “Six and a half years have already passed since the building of Mokuzai Kaikan, and it stands as the form in which
the possibilities of wood construction can take shape in cities. I think information about wood constructed facilities to be
used for the Olympics and Paralympics has been accumulated. From now
on, we will also call for the use of domestic wood in the facilities.” Next in
his greetings speech, Satoshi Imai, director-general of the Forestry Agency,
encouraged the attendees by saying, “I’d like to give an opportunity for a
change to wood construction in cities and change to wood construction in
non-housing with the hosting of the Olympics in Tokyo. I’d like everyone
to aim at carrying out the ‘wood first society’ mentioned by Chairman
Kichijo.” Tsukasa Akimoto and Mito Kakizawa, members of the House
of Representatives, also attended as guests and greeted the attendees.
Concerning expanding demand for lumber, Akimoto said, “I’ve been
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Japan Lumber Journal
Sunday, January 31, 2016
Page 14
raising my opinion from the political point of view. The use of lumber is being advocated for the facilities of the new
National Stadium, and the use of lumber will be put into practice for public works projects, which people have many
opportunities to see with their own eyes.” Kakizawa introduced the plan to use wood construction in building “Maggie’s
Tokyo”, a facility for cancer patients to be constructed in the Toyosu area of Tokyo.
Hosted by the Tokyo Federation of Plywood Unions, the New Year’s Joint Gathering,
the largest New Year’s party of the wood and building materials industry in the
Tokyo metropolitan area, was held in grand style on January 7 in Tokyo with over
700 people attending. At the beginning in his greetings speech representing the 7 hosting
associations, Atsuhiro Inoue, the chairman of the federation, said, “In hosting the Tokyo
Olympics in 2020, we have promised to conserve the global environment. If we don’t use
lumber, we will be breaking our public pledge,” in appealing to the attendees to seize this
great opportunity to use lumber. Satoshi Imai, director-general of the Forestry Agency,
also said, “With the push of the plywood industry, the lumber self-sufficiency rating in
2015 looks like it will go over 30%,” and he continued by saying he will strive to use
lumber in the Olympic facilities. An individual from the Tokyo government spoke about
the substitution from Southsea plywood to domestic plywood in facilities for the capital,
and he introduced cases promoting the use of regional wood.
Jointly hosted by the Japan Lumber Importers’ Association, Japan Southsea
Lumber Conference, Japan North American Lumber Conference, and Japan
Russian Wood Products Conference, four organizations involved in foreign lumber,
“2016 Lumber Trading Organization’s New Year’s Gathering” was held in grand
style at Royal Park Hotel in Tokyo on January 8 with about 200 people involved in
foreign lumber attending. People from the members of the four associations including
importing trade firms, major wholesalers, and manufacturers of plywood and laminated
wood, the large users, individuals from harbors and piers, individuals from the embassies
and associations of lumber exporting countries of America, Canada, Indonesia, and
Malaysia, and representatives from the Forestry Agency attended the event. In his
greetings speech representing the hosting association, Satoru Yasuda, chairman of the
Japan Lumber Importers’ Association, said, “I was appointed to the chairman position
in June of last year, and 6 months have passed, but the environment surrounding the imported lumber has not changed
for the better. Last year, the amount of imports for both lumber products and plywood decreased, and it was a severe
year for the member companies, but for housing and non-housing construction in Japan, imported lumber is absolutely
necessary,” and this year, he will put effort into expanding overall lumber demand and into importing lumber that takes
the environment into consideration.
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