Sector Market Update: International Softwood Conference | 19


SUMMARY


■The ISC took place in Copenhagen in October


■Western markets are experiencing their worst inflation shock in decades


■European imports are expected to decrease 8% this year


■Japan has 860,000 housing starts a year


ISC UNDERLINES MULTIPLE


CHALLENGES Market constraints, from economic downturn to the threat of curbs on production from


environmental regulation were a key focus of the 2022 International Softwood Conference. Mike Jeffree reports


Tougher times lie ahead for the softwood sector, according to speakers at the 70th International Softwood Conference (ISC). Driven by energy costs, inflation internationally is at its highest in years with interest rates rising accordingly, while the World Bank predicts “one more hit could tip the global economy into recession”. At the same time, with deteriorating economics and war in Ukraine, consumer confidence has slumped. In short, said market and trade experts at the ISC in Copenhagen, the outlook is challenging.


Organised by the European Timber Trade Federation (ETTF) and the European Organisation of the Sawmill industry (EOS) and hosted by the Danish Timber Trade Federation, the conference attracted 179 delegates, with more online. Setting the market scene, Johan Freij, head of forest and agriculture at Danske Bank Sweden, said western markets were experiencing their worst inflation shock in decades. ►


Top left: The conference attracted 179 delegates, with more online


Bottom left: Delegates heard that tougher times lie ahead


www.ttjonline.com | November/December 2022 | TTJ


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