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Rubber and Wood May 04, 2016 11:30:11 AM

North America breaks wood pellet export record in 2015

Paul Ploumis
ScrapMonster Author
The North American Wood Fiber Review (NAWFR) issued by Wood Resources International indicates that wood pellet exports from North America touched new record in 2015.

North America breaks wood pellet export record in 2015

SPOKANE (Scrap Monster): The North American Wood Fiber Review (NAWFR) issued by Wood Resources International indicates that wood pellet exports from North America touched new record in 2015.

The wood pellet exports from North America totaled 6.1 million tons in 2015, rising by nearly 2% when compared with the exports during 2014. The region’s wood pellet shipments in 2014 had totaled 5.98 million tons. When matched with 2010, the exports have registered four-fold increase. The exports increased for the third consecutive quarter during the last quarter of the previous year to total nearly 1.7 million tons. Quarter-on-quarter, the exports were up by 7% in Q4 2015.

Canadian pellet exports surge during Q4 ‘15

The wood pellet exports from Canada rose sharply by 17% during fourth quarter of 2015, when matched with the previous quarter. Shipments to Europe and Asia increased during the quarter. The exports from B.C region to Europe dropped marginally during the quarter, whereas those to Asian countries rose marginally. The wood pellet exports to Japan and South Korea maintained good momentum during the quarter. Wood pellet exports from Eastern Canada hit the highest level in almost two years.

Europe continues to be the key destination for US pellet exports

The wood pellet exports from the US climbed higher significantly during 4Q/15 to touch new record high. The European region continued to be the key destination for US pellet exports. Among European countries, the UK remained the top importer of wood pellets from the US. The Drax biomass plants in the UK continue to top the list among largest consumers of North American pellet. The exports from the US Gulf ports surged higher significantly on account of increased production from pellet plants in the US Gulf Coast region.

Ramp-up in production by new pellet plants- a major contributor

The wood pellet industry continued to attract investments in new production capacities, especially due to higher pellet demand in the UK. A handful of new pellet plants reported significant ramp up in production. The mills include German Pellets in Louisiana, Drab Biomass’s two new plants in Louisiana and Mississippi, and Zilkha Biomass Energy in Alabama. Consequently, exports from the Gulf ports surged higher by over 70% during the second half of 2015.

Shipments declined in 1Q/16

The wood pellet exports from the US South to Europe has reported marginal decline during the first quarter of the current year, according to preliminary statistics. The lower shipment volume is mainly on account of drop in demand in Europe on account of extremely warm weather conditions.

About Wood Resources International

Wood Resources International (WRI) distributes market briefs on a regular basis to over 7000 forest industry executives, analysts, investors, consultants and journalists worldwide. The market briefs cover the most recent developments in regards to global wood supply, forest industry production, forest products trade, biomass markets and pricing of sawlogs, pulpwood, wood chips, lumber and biomass. North American Wood Fiber Review (NAWFR) is a quarterly report published by the WRI.

 

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