FORESTRY

Log Price surveys

Each month, an extensive price survey is carried out amongst Sawmillers, Exporters and Brokers in NZ as to the prices being paid for various grades of Pinus Radiata (pine) logs. Surveys started in 1993 and there are a total of eight regions.

Ten grades are tracked and include pruned sawlogs, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese export logs, unpruned sawlogs, industrial grades, roundwood and chip and pulp logs.

All prices are converted to a common base of dollars per tonne delivered to the nearest wharf or mill. Additional tables are provided showing logging and transport costs so that the price at the logging site can be calculated.

The survey can be sent by fax or email (pdf) on a regular basis, or as required. The monthly cost ranges from $28 to $60, depending on the number of regions required. A market commentary is part of the monthly survey package. Prices for the historical data series are available on request.

The Agri-Fax Log Price Index is also produced each month. It measures whole forest prices. There are a number of sub indices. POA.