20 | Country Focus: France
SUMMARY
■Demand for French timber has been strong across all sectors
■French sawmills have regained market shares in the domestic and European markets
■Log supply is currently a key issue ■Oak exports to the UK rose 50%
CHALLENGING TIMES RISING TO In a demanding, competitive business environment, the French timber industry has
increased exports and consolidated domestic market share, reports Jean-François Guilbert, managing director of market development body French Timber
Overall, 2021 has been an unprecedented and highly successful year for the French wood industry. Despite market volatility, demand has been strong across all sectors and French sawmills have regained market shares in both domestic market and other European markets. The sector reports headwinds in the first half of 2022, but remains in positive mood. Last year started with lower than average stocks in the supply chain and robust demand following the pandemic downturn drove a frenzy of buying with French and export
customers competing for timber. Price became the main criteria for allocating volume between exporting and importing countries. France is both a producer, but also a major importer of softwood lumber. Prices paid in the French market made it a less attractive prospect for exporters such as Germany and the supply situation rapidly became very tight.
French sawmills responded quickly to increase production, mainly focused on supplying the domestic market to fill the gap left by lack of imports, so strengthening their market share.
The second half of 2021 saw a return to greater normality. Availability improved on world markets and France increased exports as well as imports. The year ended with imports and exports at record levels and the French timber sector went into 2022 with higher inventories than a year before. Strong demand continued to drive the
market and the pressure came off prices due to high stocks on the ground.
The remainder of the year is expected to be characterised by more balanced market conditions, with supply matching demand.
LOG SUPPLY As in 2021, log supply in Europe is currently a key issue for most French sawmills, both hardwood and softwood.
Top and above: France’s building activity remains high for the moment TTJ | July/August 2022 |
www.ttjonline.com
Spruce damaged by bark beetle is no longer such a factor in the market and prices for logs are up across central Europe, but also in France. Competition between sawmills for raw material is intense. Add to that general inflation, the rising cost of energy
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