Fordaq interview with Romain Rougier: ''Current state and perspectives of the plywood market''

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The effect of the ruble, competitiveness of Okoume plywood, effects of the EUTR, the role of China: what does a main French player think about the current plywood market situation? In an exclusive Fordaq interview, Romain Rougier, head of Rougier Sylvaco Panneaux, kindly expressed his opinion on these matters.

Fordaq: What is the the current state of French plywood imports?

Romain Rougier: According to customs statistics, the first half of 2014 shows the following numbers: imports from China are stable at 51,971 m3 (52,266 m3 in H1 2013); those from Finland rose sharply to 23,228 m3 (9737 m3 in H1 2013); Russia is gaining market shares at the expense of Latvia: 9690 m3 against 7602 m3 in 2013 for Russia, and 6873 against 9170 m3 in 2013 for Latvia.

Fordaq: Will the fall of the ruble affect the European plywood market?

Romain Rougier: It's a possibility, at least for birch plywood in segments including formwork, or special filmed plywood. For about two-three years, the Russian market was not export oriented, in the sense that demand from the Russian domestic market was strong and with high prices (higher than those obtained for export). Up to the point that it was quite difficult to purchase panels from Russia, particularly in terms of deadlines. But panels are being paid in US dollars or in euros, and some signs indicate that the Russian domestic market is currently uncertain. So one may think that Russian production will reorient itself towards exports and lower prices, but this is not yet the situation. Eastern Europe, excluding Russia, shows greater stability in this respect.

Fordaq: Were the tensions generated by the introduction of the EUTR appeased?

Romain Rougier: They definitely marked the past year, as in our case, with the merger of our two import companies. We have suspended a few suppliers, and even if one can say that the EUTR has been "digested" by the market, there is still a blur in markets like Brazil and China. It is still to find out whether the EUTR will not have an adverse effect on the FSC or PEFC certifications, knowing that we are historically tied to FSC certification.

Fordaq: How is the French market oriented in terms of import-export, particularly regarding Okoume?

Romain Rougier: For a number of years now, the largest plywood consuming market, as well as in terms of import/export is China, with volumes of the European market in decline. Okoume plywood still plays an important role in European markets such as France, the Netherlands and Italy. Adding the niche market of luxury boating. Okoume plywood tends to see increased competition from poplar plywood with Okoume face. However, this alternative is currently hampered by the lack of poplar resources, and the lack of quality Okoume available on the market, and the lack of "legal" Okoume in general, and particularly in "quality face". We are less affected by these movements as we have our own concessions.

 

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