GLOBAL TIMBER RESOURCES
 What imported sawn timber species are "hot" at present?
Many suppliers and customers alike keep asking me what are the current "hot" imported species in Southeast Asia. And of course with "hot" they mean those imported species in most demand. The answer is not so straight forward as each country in Southeast Asia has quite specific demands.   to read full article...

 Outdated methods are out
Mr. Yue Qunfei, China FOMA Group Deputy GM, during a media interview held recently, shared their company's experience and role in the development of China's wood-based panel industry.   to read full article...

 Greater productivity with the "MSR 130ds"
Italian company ZAFFARONI has introduced their Double Spindle Multi-rip Saw for panels model "MSR 130 ds", a machine borne from the need to make incisions, multiple longitudinal grooves or cuts simultaneously on both surfaces of the panel processed.   to read full article...

MARKET REPORT
 UN/ECE review of the European and North American hardwood and panel markets  
The panel sector review concluded that the European wood-based panels industry is slowly returning to better market conditions. But although the construction industry was showing positive signs, the performance of furniture manufacturing was disappointing.   to read full article...

SOLID WOOD
 Getting to know Pacific Coast Alder again
As one of the main materials of solid wood furniture, Pacific Coast Alder (also named Western Alder, Red alder) has many attractive properties. It is sustainable and has an appealing appearance and a high price/performance radio. Alder furniture, with its soft lustrous surface, gives the room elegance and warmth.   to read full article...

 Teak trends
Teak (Tectona grandis) is one of the most popular and suitable hardwood species for flooring and joinery, especially in Asia. Last year the Food & Agriculture Organisation (FAO) based in Rome issued an update on Teak resources, revealing trends in both Teak forests and markets:   to read full article...

 American hardwood lumber shipments to Southeast Asia up 32% in 2012
Data just released by the USA show that American hardwood lumber shipments to Southeast Asia were up by 32% in value and 29% in volume for the year 2012 compared to 2011. Log shipments were up 9% and 15% respectively and veneer increased 9% and 13%. American hardwood flooring was up 143% in value and 124% in volume, albeit from a lower base.   to read full article...

 High demand for French wood in MENA
The French timber industry is a leading player in the European timber production, thanks to the rich diversity of both hardwood and softwood species in France. With a current wood volume of 2 billion m³ and 128 different species, the French forest increases by approximately 88 million m³ every year.   to read full article...


ENVIRONMENTAL FOCUS
 Three Southeast Asian countries prepare for new European Timber Import Rules  
Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam are implementing or negotiating a Voluntary Partnership Agreement with the EU. At the same time, exporters are looking to supply due diligence information to help their trade partners in Europe comply with the EU Timber Regulation.   to read full article...

SURFACES & DESIGN
 Textile trends drive the furniture design universe at Heimtextil  
Heimtextil is unique because it is literally the intersection of every dimension of design: commercial and residential, fashion and furnishings, colour and texture, luminance and translucence, east and west. It's also the first major international event each year, and sets the stage for trends worldwide.   to read full article...

LIGNA PREVIEW & EXHIBITOR HIGHLIGHTS
 LIGNA 2013 rolls out the red carpet  
Forestry and timber industry professionals around the world are counting down the days until LIGNA opens its gates on 6 May.   to read full article...