Austria and Estonia Are Among Countries Being Accused of Dumping Structural Timber Product

Germany, Austria and Estonia are among countries being accused of dumping structural timber products in Australia at below market prices, according to industry newsletter Random Lengths. Australian customs authorities are investigating following representations from Australian timber giants Hyne Timber, Carter Holt Harvey and Gunns. The companies claim that poor European timber markets had led exporters to sell wood below value in Australia, hurting domestic timber industry volumes by more than 15% since 2007-08. However, the Australian Timber Importers Federation says the allegations are designed to impede the timber importing sector. It says imported timber can help meet a timber supply crisis. Interim duties could be imposed on importers as early as this month, though customs will submit its recommendations next February. Source: ttjonline.com