16 INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2024 Sales, Purchases, Logistics and Transportation The performance metrics of NCT are both comprehensive and revealing. Sales figures shown in the graph below reflect a substantial dominance of NCT Chip Mills. Special (Non-pulpwood) Markets, on the other hand, show high demand, primarily driven by peeler market dynamics, fuelled by supply challenges. However, the species specificity of Peelers presents a limitation, impacting Midland’s members disproportionately. Moreover, a shift in member mindset towards reducing pulp loads from plantations has been noted, with credit issues hindering supply to major treating plants. Pine sales have undergone a significant decline by almost 50% due to reduced availability, compounded by challenges faced by sawmills in sales and pricing. The Richards Bay fire has led to a rise in special markets’ sales in the northern region, facilitated by diversified market options offered through NCT Tree Farming. Additionally, sales have seen a slight increase due to pricing dynamics and increased timber felling in specific regions. Conversely, load-shedding has severely impacted sales into our market in Piet Retief, with hopes pinned on an increase in sales in the upcoming financial year. Overall, purchases tonnage has witnessed a marginal decline compared to the previous year. Timber Supplied
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