October 2005

European Softwood Conference - UK Report

21st October 2005

The European Softwood Conference this week heard that 2004 had produced a record European level of sawn softwood production and consumption at 268 million cubic metres (up 6.3% on 2003) and 258 million cubic metres (up 5.9%) respectively. And a further 2% increase in production and 1.1% increase in consumption respectively was estimated for 2005. 

Uncertainties in the market led delegates to predict a less positive position in 2006.

TTF President, John Tong, who attended the conference, said:

A consistent theme across Europe is the growing customer demand for certified products which importers are requesting their suppliers to take seriously, particularly imports from Russia and the Baltics. The lack of promotion of timber products was highlighted and disappointment at the industry's inability to fund its own development was expressed by all.

Charles Hopping, of Hoppings Softwood Products, another member of the UK delegation commented:

The UK figures presented to the Conference represent an end, or at least a pause, to a long period of increasing UK softwood consumption. However, whilst the figures for 2005 and 2006 remain weak the growing influence of modern methods of construction, and the opportunities presented by the substantive Olympics in 2012 should ensure that the upward trend is resumed in 2007.

For further information contact John White on 020 7839 1891

Notes to Editors:

1. The Timber Trade Federation is Growing the Use of Wood through the political, promotional and technical representation of its members interests.
2. The European Softwood Conference was held on 20th and 21st October in Rome bringing together the Importing and Exporting players in the softwood market. Each country has to provide a market report which includes forecasts for the remainder of 2005 and for 2006. A copy of the UK Market report is attached, other statistical information from the conference will be available to TTF members next week. The UK delegation consists of the TTF President John Tong, Charles Hopping and Nick Boulton.