world news - 06.06.2007
Timber shortage fuels panic buying
DIY enthusiasts hoping to repair
storm-ravaged garden fences have been urged not to panic buy, as the
UK's timber shortage leaves many unable to find affordable fencing
panels.
Poor
harvesting conditions in Russia, Scandinavia and the Baltics, as well
as soaring demand in China and Dubai, have resulted in a major supply
shortage, with sawmills having to pay significantly more for timber and
many DIY stores in the UK running out of stock.
However, many
gardeners have been so determined to repair fences damaged by storms
earlier this year that they are prepared to travel further afield and
pay premium prices for panels.
The Fencing Contractors
Association (FCA) is recommending that consumers postpone their repair
plans and has warned the public not to "panic the prices up".
Wendy Baker, chief executive of the FCA, said that DIY enthusiasts had been exacerbating the situation by panic buying.
"It's a bit like a bread shortage," she told the Daily Mail. "Joe Public goes out and buys loads."
There
are, however, signs of improvement on the horizon, as suppliers in
Germany, Canada and Latvia are reportedly set to reduce the shortfall
in the UK market.
See also:
- — A great deal of Norwegian felling potential is situated in steep terrain
- — The forest-based sector is expected to become the lead market in Europe
- — Shenyang furniture industry begins large scale imports of US hardwoods
- — Greenpeace Hails B&Q China for Hardwood Curbs
- — U.N. wins pledges to plant a billion trees
