OREANDA-NEWS. January 29, 2010. In December, increase of prices for roundwood amounted to 0.1% on the average, as Analytic Department of Lesprom Network reported.

Average price of one cubic meter of softwood sawlog, 16-30 cm in diameter, 4-6 m in length, decreased by 1.2% compared to November; one cubic meter of sawlog made of hardwood, 16-30 cm in diameter, 3-6 m in length, gained 0.4%. One cubic meter of pulpwood from spruce species, 4 m in length, 6-16 cm in diameter (1, 2 and 3 grade), grew by 0.6% compared to November. Price of one cubic meter of common pine pulpwood, 4 m in length, 6-16 cm in diameter (1, 2 and 3 grade), was 1.3% higher than in November; one cubic meter of pulpwood made of hardwood, 6-16 cm in diameter, 6 m in length (1, 2 and 3 grade) cost the same as in the previous month.

In December, the winter harvesting season started on the roundwood spot market, however, many companies have not changed their price policies till January 2010. Sawlog cheapened slightly, while pulpwood saw a small increase in price.

In the Siberian federal district, sawlog fell in price which can be accounted for the start of winter harvesting. Price for pulpwood remained unchanged.

In the Ural federal district, prices for roundwood in December remained stable compared to November 2009. Harvesting companies enjoy steady demand for raw timber.

In the North-West federal district, price for sawlog hardwood fell, which is due to the start of harvesting. Prices for pulpwood have not changed. According to specialists, in January we can expect growth of prices for pulpwood, as pulp and paper mills will start to procure raw timber.

In the Central federal district, December prices for sawlog softwood fell slightly. Price of pulpwood has not changed. There is steady demand for raw timber in the region.

In the Volga federal district, December sawlog prices decreased a bit. Price of pulpwood has not changed compared to the previous month.

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.