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Monday, 21 October 2013 Some boating magazines have been reporting that there will be a total ban on the export of ALL Teak from Burma (Myanmar). Bob Steber, Managing Director of Ginnacle Import Export Pte. Ltd. in Singapore who has 40+ years of experience marketing Burma Teak to the marine industry recently returned from a few days in Burma where he discussed the impending Teak ban with the relevant authorities. Contrary to the published information in various boating magazines which stated that no teak can be exported after April 2014, Bob clarifies that the export of processed Teak will not be stopped and that teak such as sawn timber, veneer, yacht decking, interior flooring and furniture parts will still be available. According to the authorities he spoke with, this ban, at its present structure is only on the export of round logs which have previously been exported in large volumes to be cut in Thailand, India (Thailand and India have both had bans on cutting of natural Teak grown in their respective countries for many years and have relied on Teak logs from Burma. Now that will be stopped) Singapore, Malaysia, China and other countries for their domestic consumption as well as further exports. Some countries and foreign timber companies are appealing that the ban be delayed or implemented slowly over the course of several years. They base their petition on the grounds that the sudden stoppage of Teak logs will have severe adverse effect on their timber industry and on the availability of Teak for the marine and furniture industries worldwide. The ban on round logs is to create more jobs internally for Burmese (Myanmar citizens) by processing to create added value within Burma while also preserving their valuable natural forest resources for future generations. As such, round log exports will be stopped 1 April 2014. Processed Teak may not be as readily available as when large quantities of logs were cut outside Burma because many sawmills in Burma have faced several years of hardship from the sanctions imposed by USA and EU governments. These sanctions are credited with helping lead to the newly formed democratic government in Burma. It’s almost certain that prices will escalate because lower volumes will be available. “We have good stock in our warehouse and with the contacts we have built over four decades working in Burma, we are confident in providing continuous supplies to our valued customers. Customers are encouraged to keep in mind that there may be a few delays here and there for the deliveries of their orders. Thus, the best way is to plan early.” Bob hopes that this timely clarification can help both industry experts and teak buyers to be well-prepared ahead of time. Ginnacle Import Export Pte. Ltd. Bob Steber +65 6 299 2535 info@teak.net Continue reading →