FEATURES
manufactured from pine are also in high demand,”
he says.
POPULAR TIMBERS
South Africans are spoiled for choice when it comes to
timber, says Harcourt-Wood, especially when it comes
to imported wood, which are regarded as more luxury
or exotic woods.
Popular imported timbers in South Africa include:
• From the US: white oak, ash, poplar and walnut
and a bit of maple and cherry wood;
• From Europe: French / European oak, Siberian
larch, beech and spruce;
• From Malaysia: meranti and balau;
• From South America: garapa and massaranduba;
and
• From West Africa: iroko and African mahogany.
Nolte adds pine species, hardwoods, plywood, medium
density fibre board and various board products to the
list, saying that the popular ranges are mainly region-
based, as foreign timber popularity also depends
on availability.
Modla says timber popularity is also influenced by
the option of imported timbers, such as American
hardwoods, meranti and tropical hardwood decking
from South America and South East Asia.
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AVAILABILITY OF IMPORTED TIMBER
“The reality is that until 30 years ago we had very little
choice, but now South Africa is very fortunate to have
access to a wide range of species. We have a pretty
well-developed market and our range even impresses
international visitors,” Harcourt-Wood says.
However, it is difficult to forecast demand for
specific species, because this depends on ever-
changing trends and the needs of developers.
According to Harcourt-Wood they try to keep
12 months’ stock for every species.
Nolte says he finds that American hardwoods such as
white oak, ash and walnut, okoume and iroko from West
Africa, meranti and balau decking from south east Asia
and eucalyptus, garapa and massaranduba decking
from South America are all readily available.
Modla adds that that the current stronger rand also
makes it easier to import timber at competitive rates.
THE CHALLENGES OF IMPORTING
TIMBER
Every industry has its own challenges and the timber
importing industry is no different. Importers of timber
have to do their homework before they order and be
aware of the role other factors such as the weather can
play in filling orders.
These challenges are:
• A very erratic and long supply chain
This is especially a challenge when wood is
imported and any snag in the supply chain can
cause a delay in delivery.
// APRIL / MAY 2018 47
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PEFC/02-31-112
Promoting Sustainable
Forest Management
www.pefc.org
Agent in Southern Africa:
www.npp.co.za
Tel: +27 (0) 21 700 2800