Logs, Markets, and Big Ideas

Can you believe we’re already heading into Easter? Time certainly flies—if only the lumber market could keep up, we’d be in seventh heaven! That said, there is some good news: by all accounts, the market is slightly better than it was this time last year. We’ll take the wins where we can get them.

On the topic of markets, there’s an exciting shift underway. There’s a growing movement—from within the sawmilling industry, the architectural world, progressive engineers, universities, and even the environmentally conscious public—towards increased use of wood and modern mass timber products like CLT, LVL, laminates, and wood-based panels. It’s opening up a whole new and dynamic direction for solid wood.

This is genuinely exciting for us sawmillers. It does, however, signal a shift from the tried-and-tested model of the past 40 or 50 years, where the name of the game was to saw up a log into 38x114s as quickly as possible and get on with it. Now, as they say, it’s time to think outside the (pine) box and embrace new opportunities.

Which brings me to two key areas: exports and expertise.

Our export initiative is making slow but steady progress. Matching South African graded and dimensioned timber—based on the “old” imperial system—with global markets using metric dimensions is proving to be a bit of a thorn in our side. The good news is that our grading stacks up well internationally, but where we are falling behind is in processing and technology. That’s where we’re seeking global expertise to help close the gap. 

Now, before I ramble on too long, a quick heads-up: our 2025 SSA AGM is coming up on 18 June so save the date! It will once again be held at the Future Africa on the University of Pretoria campus. This year, we’re hoping to host a bigger and bolder “Sawmilling Think Tank” alongside the AGM. The goal is to spark deeper conversations about the direction of our industry and strengthen ties with customers and key players in the built environment.

We’d love to see as many of you there as possible—it promises to be a constructive and insightful day. You can RSVP here if you would like to attend.

That’s all from me this month. Until next time—keep cutting straight, drying flat, and above all, stay safe on the roads this Easter.

Cheers,
Roy Southey
Executive Director: Sawmilling South Africa