Rains affected harvests in Gabon and Congo, but not in Cameroon. Gabon is experiencing a full-blown onslaught of the rainy season, which has affected operations in the interior. Veneer and plywood sawmills can continue to produce, but some sawmills are reporting a decline in log stocks, especially okoume. It is also said that at a time when demand in Asia is rising, sawmill-quality logs are in short supply.
China, in particular, has shown interest in a variety of timber species, including Billinga, Ayous, Okan, Mowenji and Sapeli, as well as the traditional demand for okoume. In addition, the demand from the Philippines is also continuous.
Heavy rains are affecting harvesting activities in northern Congo. Transporting timber to the port of Douala, which is closer than Pointe-Noire in the south, a distance of about 1,400 kilometers, was a logistical challenge. In the southern region, heavy rains predominate.
Despite the challenges, Okoume's harvest has recovered as orders from China have increased. However, Ovangkol is no longer popular, while other species such as Padauk, Bilinga, Movingui, and Sapelli are sought after.
Unlike rain-falling countries, Cameroon is currently in a dry period that is expected to last until June, so harvesting can be done without restrictions. Millers reported that stocks have returned to normal levels and that it will take about two months to prepare for the next rainy season.
Road transport operations have returned to normal levels, indicating improved conditions for transporting timber from forests to sawmills and log warehouses. The efficient operation of the road and rail network contributes to the efficient flow of timber resources.
Producers in Cameroon have reported growing interest in Bilinga, Padauk, Iroko, Movingui and Sapelli, all of which are available in Cameroon.
At the port of Douala, operations remained stable with no disruptions reported. Logs from northern Congo and the Central African Republic continue to be transported smoothly. Following the transition of management from Bolloré to MSC, we are reportedly working to improve port operations, which will help to increase cargo efficiency.