It’s been six months plus of extremes and superlatives in the European sawn hardwood sector. Importers, distributors and merchants say the trading environment has been like nothing they’ve experienced during decades in the business.  Demand has climbed across key markets. Freight rates have reached unprecedented levels. Supply has become exceptionally tight and lead times have stretched from sources globally. Prices have consequently hit the heights, while margins are variously described as good to extremely good.  “It’s been a challenging trading period, in terms of obtaining supply, operating a managed volume sales system so ...