German softwood plywood imports stabilise

Softwood plywood imports into Germany bounced back in the first quarter of 2012 after dropping sharply in the final two quarters of last year. The German Federal Statistical Office reported that imports were roughly stable at least year’s level at 175,827 m³ after falling 16% in the third quarter and 25% in the fourth quarter of 2011. German hardwood plywood imports continued on their downward path seen at the end of 2011. Hardwood plywood imports strengthened in the first three quarters of last year, but then fell 5% in the final three months. Imports were down another 5% in the first three months of 2012 at 145,104 m³.