ZLV Online

Abstract

At the peak of the bark beetle calamity, which is taking place in the Czech Republic, the main problem of forestry operators is to make the most of the harvested wood. The increase in the calamity is not related to the Czech Republic, as the whole European timber market is saturated. An attractive alternative is the export of the timber affected by bark beetle to China. Nowadays, more companies are engaged in this activity, and the volume of such exported wood grows geometrically. However, in addition to improving the value of wood, this trade also has its risks, mainly related to the political situation and dependence on the rail and shipping. In the first quarter of 2019, the average price on the delivery point for exports to China amounted to 1,250 CZK/m3, whereas for the other consumers in Europe including the Czech Republic it wass approximately 900 CZK/m3. Consequently, in the first quarter of 2019, the export of coniferous timber affected by bark beetle to China increased to 350,000 m3. Under favourable political conditions, the export of the damaged timber to China will certainly continue to be capitalised on in the future, and its volume will continue to grow.