French production of sawn hardwood is set to break through 1.6 million m³ in 2011, according to the latest statistics from the French Timber Federation.
The predicted volume would correspond to the level of production in 2008 after dropping to 1.32 million m³ in 2009 during the height of the recession. Last year the total was 1.5 million m³.
“It is the growth in export markets that has made the difference, particularly in northern Europe,” said Jacques Ducerf, president of French hardwood promotion organisation APCEF.
“So long as the euro-US dollar exchange rate remains around US$1.5, we are less hampered by exchange rate issues at least in markets where we are not competing with American oaks.”
However, low log prices and Chinese imports of French hardwood logs are said to be hampering French sawmill production.
A group of 11 French sawmills have clubbed together to form an export sales group towards the Chinese market. It says it has succeeded in persuading Chinese buyers to buy sawn timber rather than logs.
