world news - 19.11.2007
Swedish sawmills see signs of slowdown
During the last years customers have made excessive purchases for fear
of not getting enough timber. That resulted in an unprecedented demand,
but now stocks are full and purchases have been reduced. The year 2008
will be less profitable than the preceding years. One reason is the
decreasing volume of construction in the US. As a substitute sawmills
have concentrated on the European and Japanese markets.
Ms Marie S. Arwidson, Managing Director of the Swedish Forest
Industries Federation, confirms that sawmills are facing a market
slowdown. “Sawmills had a very good and profitable 12 month period and
the business cycle was the best since 1973. However, now we confront a
temporary stagnation, which mainly affects sellers of low quality
spruce. The reason is the big amount of storm felled timber on the
European market. “
See also:
- — September was bleak for B.C. manufacturing, forestry sectors
- — Wooden peripheral equipment from Japan
- — Forest glut jams timber mills
- — Indonesia will need 7 years to stop illegal logging
- — Revolution looming in lumber industry
