Originally Posted by
flycatch
Three things have contributed to increase in ARFs prices.
#1-Decrease value of the US dollar
#2-Committment to purchase a forty foot shipping container.
#3-Unskilled labor market in China
DUH !! I think that you have left out #4 and most likely the reason for the largest increase in ARF prices.
#4 should actually be #1 and that would be the increase in " BALSA WOOD PRICES " ! A lot of companies these days are using more balsa wood that ever before in past years. One example and it is a huge one, are the blades for " Wind Generators ". Manufacturers of wind generator blades use an enormous amount of balsa wood. They probably use more balsa wood in one blade than most hobbyists use in a lifetime of model building. Do some research and you will find what I am talking about.
They are absolutely driving UP the price of balsa wood and all balsa wood related products.