Country Focus: France | 37
SUMMARY
■The market was dynamic until June 2022
■The French softwood sector is back to 2019 level of business
■The hardwood market has been less impacted
■Exports of French oak lumber experienced a real boom in the past two years
EBBS AND FLOWS FOR FRENCH
France’s timber sector has felt the impact of global economic volatility since 2019, although one thing remains constant, the UK remains its biggest oak export market. Thibaud Le Moign of the industry’s international marketing body French Timber reports
In common with the global wood market, the French timber industry has had a turbulent couple of years.
Rather unexpected was the very strong economic recovery experienced after the Covid pandemic. Until June 2022 the market was very dynamic, and demand was high for all types of products; sawmills were struggling to keep up with the demand, often having to cut back on orders or delay shipments to try and satisfy their existing customers.
At that time, most suppliers were focusing on offering a service and sufficient volumes to their long-standing customers and were unable to take on any orders from new prospects. Buyers were under a lot of pressure to secure enough wood to ensure their business could continue for just a few months ahead. During this period prices rose impressively, both on log and lumber markets.
Above: The sawmilling industry experienced several testing months of slow demand
The situation then started to change. In the softwood market there was a sudden drop in demand from June 2022. Buyers felt a sudden shift in customer sentiment. This was attributed to several factors; the boom in the cost of energy, general inflation, political uncertainty and previous over-ordering. In consequence, many customers postponed investment in new projects and the general building industry started slowing down. Subsequently the sawmilling industry experienced several very testing months of slow demand, orders being pushed back or cancelled. ►
www.ttjonline.com | July/August 2023 | TTJ
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