Forest List members may be interested in the headlines for the Southern Hemisphere Forest Industry Journal, August 1997 edition: LEAD: Forestry companies and agencies in Chile and New Zealand are moving to overturn what is believed to be the first "green tariff" resulting from a United States court ruling. There are differing reactions in the two countries but both recognise the disruption to valuable markets stemming from the ruling, which in effect bans the issuing of new import permits for logs, lumber and processed timber products into the US. SURVEY: The panels and boards sector of the Southern Hemisphere is looking somewhat more positive this year, but only just. The 1997 Survey of panels and boards shows variables results, but overall there is less of a very negative view of the marketplace and still some growth potential. Special focuses on OSB and developments in Brasil. COUNTRY FOCUS: Southern Africa: Developing forestry in Southern Africa presents the industry with special challenges. A review of forestry resource utilisation and marketing in Southern Africa and sponsored by the Canadian International Development Agency is outlined. South America: New structure outline for the Chilean Government forestry agency, Conaf. Australia: Trans-Tasman merger of newsprint interests likely after Fletcher Challenge Ltd buys the 50 per cent of Australian Newsprint Mills it didn’t already own. New Zealand: Winds of change blow through New Zealand forestry companies - with resignations at Fletchers and rationalisation at Carter Holt Harvey looming - and the main government agency, the Ministry of Forestry, where the chief executive as the Ministry is merged with the Ministry of Agriculture. MARKETS: Concern over the US ban on new import permits stems as much from fears about what will happen to excess stock unsold into the US. Our market report outlines the uncertainty in various markets, while the Southern Hemisphere Pine Price Index indicates slight firmness in some prices. For further information, please contact: Michael R. Smith Editor and Director Southern Hemisphere Forest Industry Journal Trade and Media Services Limited P.O. Box 6215 Whakarewarewa, Rotorua New Zealand Tel: 64-7-349-4107 Fax: 64-7-349 4157 southem@wave.co.nz
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