WRI Q2 Insights Confirmed Rising Trend in Wood Fiber Prices

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The global wood fiber price indices by Wood Resource International (WRI) suggest that wood fiber prices extended their rising trend in the second quarter of the current year. The hardwood prices increased more, compared with softwood prices. The US dollar-denominated indices touched their highest levels since 2014, despite strong dollar against other world currencies.

ALSO READ: WRI Warns That Sanctions on Russia May Impact Global Forest Products Trade

According to WRI, the global Hardwood Fiber Price Index (HFPI) surged higher by 5.3% over the sequential quarter. Over the prior year quarter, the index recorded significant surge by 13%. Meantime, the global Softwood Fiber Price Index (SFPI) edged higher by 7% in Q2, compared with the corresponding quarter a year before.

The market pulp prices have been on the rise during the past one year period. The prices of pulplogs and wood prices surged higher, driven by record market pulp prices, reduced pulp inventories and tighter supply of wood fiber. The prices have increased the most in Europe and Latin America, whereas North America and Oceania regions recorded modest price jumps during the past 12-month period.

During the first six months of the current year, global wood chip trade has witnessed 5% jump over the previous year, WRI noted.