Roundwood prices in Russia have dropped sharply in February 2020, indicating some first coronavirus impact on the timber market. At an average of 2,419 RUB/m3 (31.60 EUR/m3) in February 2020, softwood sawlogs in Northwestern Russia have decreased by -5.87% as compared to February 2019 and are slightly lower as compared to January 2020.
Hardwood sawlog prices in Russia have crashed in February 2020 as compared to the previous month by -66%. Moreover, hardwood sawlogs prices are -10% lower as compared to February 2019.
In the pulpwood section, prices show some mixed developments: softwood pulpwood prices are lower in February 2020 by about -18.69% over both January 2020 and February 2019. However, hardwood pulpwood prices picked up in February 2020 by +15.27% as compared to January.
Monthly producer prices in Northwestern Russia, RUB/m³, under bark, excl. VAT.
| Feb-19 | Jan-20 | Feb-20 | Change in % Jan-20/Feb-20 | Change in % Feb-19/Feb-20 | |
| Softwood sawlogs | 2,570 RUB | 2,443 RUB | 2,419 RUB | -0.98% | -5.87% |
| Hardwood sawlogs | 2,516 RUB | 1,257 RUB | 1,383 RUB | -10.02% | -66.60% |
| Softwood pulpwood | 1,701 RUB | 1,701 RUB | 1,383 RUB | -18.69% | -18.69% |
| Hardwood pulpwood | 1,238 RUB | 910 RUB | 1,049 RUB | -15.26% | +15.27% |
Prices converted in EUR
| Feb-19 | Jan-20 | Feb-20 | |
| Softwood sawlogs | 31,60 | 30,04 | 29,75 |
| Hardwood sawlogs | 30,94 | 15,46 | 17,01 |
| Softwood pulpwood | 20,92 | 20,92 | 17,01 |
| Hardwood pulpwood | 15,22 | 15,22 | 12,90 |
The post Russia: Prices of roundwood fall sharply in February 2020 appeared first on Timber Industry News.