Demand for planed timber made in the Baltic States was still at low levels in the first half of March, according to market insiders. So far business in the first quarter of 2012 is more or less on par with business at the same time one year ago. The year started on a positive note, with January-shipments up in a year-on-year comparison. However, February shipments then were lower than in February 2011. Business in March looks set to be similar to the trend shown one year ago. Baltic industrial planing mills reckon with growing planed timber requirements and increasing order intake in April. This assumption is based on the current level of inquiries.