Global timber demand is expected to reach more than 321 million m3 in 2002, a three million m3 rise on last year according to the newsletter Wood Markets.
In a special report it says that while Europe and Japan registered consumption decreases over the year, the US and Canada, along with most other regions, saw gains.
However, the report says, in 2003 an anticipated general slowdown in economic activity is likely to cause global lumber consumption to slip by 0.8% to 318.5 million m3.
Global softwood lumber production has remained stable over the past decade and slow growth is expected in the short term, says the report. And while a small reduction in global demand is projected for 2003, competitive markets and soft pricing are likely to be the main outcomes. As a result, it predicts, high cost producers will suffer, while new or emerging suppliers with lower cost structures will gain market share.
