Auctions at the Tapti depots of Raj Pipla, Vyara etc. held from 20th to 25th October 2013 were successful and prices were firm. Approximately 6000 cu.m of logs were offered for sale at the recent auction.

Teak logs sales

Average prices recorded at the most recent auction are as follows:

                                                                                                                                          Bidding at the auction was brisk for fresh teak logs of desirable specifications. Unfortunately, for some medium quality lots bids failed to achieve the reserved price and went unsold.

Good quality non-teak hardwood logs, such as Haldu (Adina cordifolia), Laurel (Terminalia tomentosa), kalam (Mitragyna parviflora) and Indian Kino (Pterocarpus marsupium) having lengths of 3 to 4 metres and girths of 91cms and up fetched prices in the range of Rs.800-900 per c.ft while medium quality logs traded at around Rs600-700 per c.ft.

Now that the Diwali and Indian New year holidays are over, auctions will continue.

Imported plantation teak prices reflect wide variations in quality

Plantation teak shipments continue to arrive irrespective of exchange rate fluctuations as India needs to import all types of wood including teak. Because of changed specifications and the willingness of importers to accept logs with smaller girths, prices have declined.

On the other hand some exporters have been shipping higher quality logs so, for these shipments, prices have improved. Current C & F prices for imported plantation teak, Indian ports per cubic metre are shown below. In the period reviewed Brazilian plantation teak logs arrived in India at prices ranging from US$ 350-750 per cubic metre.

Variations are based on quality, length and average girth of logs

Domestic ex-sawmill prices for air dried sawnwood cut from imported logs

Prices for air dry sawnwood per cubic Foot, ex-sawmill are shown below.

                                                                                                                                       Domestic prices for Myanmar teak processed in India

Price variations depend mainly on length and cross section

Prices for imported sawnwood

The recent slowing in the Indian economy and the weak housing market is holding down imported sawnwood. Ex-warehouse prices for imported kiln dry (12% mc.) sawnwood per cu.ft are shown below.

Price variations depend mainly on length and cross section.

Prices for WBP Marine grade plywood from domestic mills

                                                                                                                                       Domestic ex-warehouse prices for locally manufactured MR plywood