Pine resin makes inroads in lucrative US market

(24-05-2006)

A worker operates a pine resin production line at Dinh Lap Farm in Lang Son Province. Viet Nam recently exported its first consignment of processed pine resin to the US. — VNA/VNS Photo Dinh Hue

HA NOI — Viet Nam recently exported its first consignment of processed pine resin to the US, which local enterprises described as a breakthrough for the nation’s fledgling pine resin production industry.

The Quang Ninh Pine Company’s 36-tonne shipment, valued at US$70,000, was evidence of the great potential for development in the sector, said Le Ngoc Quang, General Director of the Pacific Ink Company.

American demand for high-quality pine resin - a natural material obtained by distilling pine wood and used to produce many products including ink, glue, and paint- is substantial, given that the nation is a centre for the printing and chemical industries.

US-based ink producers relied on pine resin imported from China, South America and Indonesia, but are increasingly gaining confidence in Vietnamese producers, Quang added.

Accordingly, the Quang Ninh Pine Company said it plans to invest in an additional production facility to take advantage of increasing demand.

Although Viet Nam’s terrain and climate make it suitable for pine tree cultivation, it had not yet made good use of the natural material, with average annual pine resin output a modest of 8,000 tonnes, Quang said, adding that local producers have so far exported their poorly processed pine resin at prices considerably much lower than those to be expected on major markets such as the US.

If the industry is given greater priority from the Government and authorities and favourable conditions continue to develop, Viet Nam could easily produce more than 40,000 tonnes of high-quality pine resin a year, bringing in about $70 million, he said.

This would not only contribute to the State budget, but also create more local jobs and raise incomes among pine growers, said Quang.

The nation’s first pine resin export is marks the advent of a bright future for Viet Nam’s pine cultivation sector, pine resin production, and printing ink industries, Quang concluded. — VNS