Tali is one of the African hardwoods DA Global looks for most often, as logs, squared timber and sawn timber from Central Africa. If you are a logging company, sawmill or exporter with Tali to sell, this guide explains what a Vietnamese buyer looks at in a Tali timber offer, and how to present your lot so the discussion moves forward quickly.

Tali in brief

Tali is the trade name for two closely related species, Erythrophleum ivorense and Erythrophleum suaveolens. It is also traded as Missanda, and in many supplier lists it appears as "Tali (Ironwood)". Always give the scientific name in your offer so there is no confusion.

According to the CIRAD Tropix technical sheet, Tali is a very dense timber (specific gravity about 0.91 at 12% moisture), rated very durable against fungi, and suitable for use in ground contact. The same sheet notes that drying is slow with a high risk of distortion, and that the wood needs powerful equipment to saw and machine. Properties vary with origin and growing conditions.

These characteristics matter for how a buyer reads your offer. They explain why buyers ask detailed questions about drying and defects for sawn timber, and about weight when planning container loads.

Logs, squares or sawn timber: say exactly what you offer

Buyers usually handle each product form separately, so state clearly which one you are offering:

  • Tali logs: give the diameter range, length range and how the logs are marked. Photos of the log ends help the buyer judge heart, cracks and roundness.
  • Tali squared timber: give the section sizes (thickness × width) and length range, how much sapwood and wane is left, and whether ends are sealed or marked.
  • Tali sawn timber: give the thickness, width and length specifications, the grade or quality description, and whether the timber is fresh-sawn or dried. With a timber that dries slowly and can distort, this detail is essential.

If you can supply more than one form, send a separate line or offer for each one.

What a buyer checks in a Tali offer

Specification and consistency

Dimensions, quality and defects allowed, and whether every container in a series will match the first one. Consistency across shipments is what turns a trial order into regular business.

Volume: now and per month

Separate the stock ready today from the volume you can supply each month. Buyers planning regular purchases want to know what you can deliver month after month, not only the first lot.

Weight and container loading

Because Tali is very heavy, the volume that fits in a container is limited by weight before space. Tell the buyer how you normally load (for example, the approximate volume per 20' or 40' container you ship) so freight can be planned correctly.

Origin, port and delivery term

Give the country of harvest, the port of loading and the Incoterm your price refers to. Origin and port affect transit time and cost to Vietnam.

Photos of the actual lot

Recent photos of the stock you are offering, such as stacks in the yard, log ends with markings or a loaded container, make it much easier for the buyer to assess the offer before asking for samples or details.

Shipment documents are discussed directly for each concrete lot. In your first message, a short note on what you normally provide for export is enough.

Tali buying requests from DA Global

DA Global has posted buying requests for Tali in several forms and origins, including logs, squared timber and sawn timber from Cameroon, Congo and the Central African Republic. Examples:

Our needs change over time, and we do not buy every volume or specification. A clear offer lets us tell you quickly whether your lot fits a current need.

How to send your Tali offer

Use the offer form on this page. Include your country, the volume you can supply and the details above: form, dimensions, quality, monthly volume, port, Incoterm and photos. Add your email or WhatsApp so we can reply. For a full checklist, see how to submit a timber offer to a Vietnam buyer, or visit our raw timber sourcing page.

Frequently asked questions

Do you buy Tali logs and sawn timber, or only one form?

We have posted requests for logs, squared timber and sawn timber. Each request is specific to a form and origin, so tell us exactly what you have.

Can I send an offer for Tali from a country not listed in your requests?

Yes. Send the offer with origin, specification, volume and photos. If it matches a need, we will reply with questions.

Should I quote a price in my first message?

It helps if you state the price basis (Incoterm and currency). You can also send the specification and photos first and discuss price once there is a match.

Why do you ask whether sawn timber is dried?

Tali dries slowly and can distort. Whether the timber is fresh-sawn or dried changes how it is handled, shipped and used, so buyers need to know.

Sources

  1. CIRAD Tropix — Tali / Missanda technical sheet (2024) — checked 2026-10-19 · Physical properties, durability and working properties of Erythrophleum ivorense and E. suaveolens; values vary with origin