European shippers’ lumber prices raised in Japan on strength of rate of exchange

Demand for softwood lumber and planed-product assortments in Japan is holding comparatively steady and, from the point of view of shippers, at a largely satisfactory level at the moment. As such, substantial volumes of softwood lumber and planed products for delivery by the end of September had been able to be put under contract by the beginning of July. In view of the below-average deliveries in terms of volumes in the first half-year and relatively low stocks in Japan, importers evidently showed keen interest in assuring volumes early on for delivery in the third quarter.