Pallet timber price increase highest since 2001
July 13th 2010

According to the quarterly Pöyry Index, in the second quarter of this year the price of pallet timber from the UK & Ireland and the Baltics increased by the highest percentage since the index began in 2001.

The independently verified Pöyry Index measures timber price movements to the pallet and packaging industry.

The June 2010 Purchasing Managers’ Index published by CIPS also highlighted sustained price rises in significant areas, including pallet timber, which rose in price for the seventh consecutive month; and the price of nails has also risen for three months in a row. Pallet prices increased for the fourth consecutive month.

The Timber Packaging & Pallet Confederation (TIMCON) has warned that this trend will lead its pallet and packaging manufacturer members to increase product prices.

TIMCON executive secretary Stuart Hex said: “These latest independently verified results confirm that the price of timber pallets and packaging are being forced upwards by sustained increases in the cost of raw materials, including timber and steel. These rises, combined with strong demand from UK sawmillls, pulp and biomass, makes this an extremely challenging time for our industry.

“We are working closely with our members to ensure that we are able to maintain continuity of supply to our customers. Timber remains the most economical and environmentally friendly material for pallets and packaging, and continues to service more than 90 per cent of the market.”

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