The sawn timber production index fell by 8.2% at the end of the second quarter of 2025. This decline is explained by an unfavorable order book, particularly with regard to export orders, as well as significant difficulty in selling stocks of finished products. Despite this challenging situation, it is important to note that after six months, production increased slightly by 0.4%.

Regarding veneer, the production index also contracted, by approximately 8.4% quarter-on-quarter. The causes of this decline are numerous: insufficient log supply, unfavorable demand patterns, and frequent power outages at mills. However, when considering the half-year figures, a positive trend emerges with a production jump of 18.6%, driven by strong local demand from the construction and public works sector and improved exports.

In contrast, the plywood production index shows encouraging performance, with an increase of 29.3% compared to the first quarter of 2025. This growth is fueled by strong demand, not only within the European Union, but also in Asia and on the local market.

This context underscores the challenges facing the timber industry in Gabon, where dependence on Chinese demand highlights the need to explore new markets and diversify revenue streams to ensure the sector's sustainability and growth. Industry players will therefore need to adapt quickly to navigate this changing economic landscape and optimize their production in the face of these new challenges.

CK