OREANDA-NEWS. October 13, 2009. In September, price of roundwood in Russia grew by 1.5% on the average, as informed by the Analytic Service of Lesprom Network.

Average price of one cubic meter of softwood sawlog (pine, spruce, 16-30 cm in diameter, 4-6 m in length) was 0.3% higher than in August; one cubic meter of hardwood sawlog (birch, 16-30 cm in diameter, 3-6 m in length) cost 0.4% more in September than in August. One cubic meter of spruce pulpwood (4 m in length, 6-16 cm in diameter, 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade) appreciated by 2%. Price of one cubic meter of common pine pulpwood (4 m in length, 6-16 cm in diameter, 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade) increased by 1.3% in September; one cubic meter of hard pulpwood (birch, 6 m in length, 6-16 cm in diameter, 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade) gained 4.6% in September.

Prices stated in the review may depend on delivery volume, product destination and guaranteed frequency of deliveries. Prices are taken with roundwood producers on the terms of selling one cubic meter of raw wood at the nearest loading station in the carriage. Stipulated volume of delivery is 500 cubic meters.

In September, roundwood spot market saw price growth trends. Logging and processing companies relate this primarily to the fact that recently supply on the market decreased considerably, while demand remained steady.

In the Siberia federal district, roundwood prices grew. Export-oriented companies enjoyed growth of demand for Russian raw materials.

In the Ural federal district, sawlog prices decreased slightly, while pulpwood appreciated. Loggers noted curtailment of harvesting volumes related to cancellation of forest auctions. Companies say that leasing procedure is much more complicated and not all the enterprises managed to look about.

In the North-West federal district, September saw growth of roundwood prices. This is due to the steady seasonal demand for this raw material.

In the Central federal district, market players note high demand and stable raw wood sales, despite slight decrease in sawlog prices.

In the Volga federal district, September prices left unchanged. The market situation in the region was stable.

Analytic Department of Lesprom Network specializes in forest industry market research. The department gathers statistic data on timber processing and pulp & paper companies. Among Lesprom Network clients are largest Russian and foreign timber industry and investment companies.