The prices of Okoume hardwood logs have been on a steady path with growing demand from China and India. The face veneer producers in Gabon have become active with growing demand from India thus giving a strong scenario for peelable logs. If we compare the demand of Okume sawn timber and peelable logs then Peeling material is on a steady rise. If the demand is rising on the same way, then prices are going to firm up as temporary shortage will be seen’ feels face veneer producers based in Gabon SEZ.
Currently the Okoume log prices are very firm at EUR250-260 cbm. However robust demand from international markets primarily China will lead to a shortage of good peeler logs at the mills in the Gabon. The stocks of lower quality non-peeler logs are there in abundance say a peeling entrepreneur. Species like belli, tali and other heavy species are also in demand, largely from China. According to timber business people peelable okoume is also available in Congo but the economics are not matching at present.
It is noted that Indian plywood units are experimenting with Okoume face veneer to be used on plywood face but are facing difficulty in dipping, pasting and lamination etc. The capacity of the already established 30 mills in the SEZ is said to be more than sufficient to process all the available peeler quality logs at present. According to reports there are 20 peelings that are currently operating for producing face peeling where as another a dozen are going to begin their operations very soon.