German lumber exports have been continually rising for a few years and in 2006 they again reached a record high.
Exports of softwoods, including planed products, rose 27.1% to about 7.3 million m3, while exports of hardwood climbed 11.6% to about 754,068m3. Total lumber exports were 8 million m3, from a total of about 24.4 million m3 produced. The export share of softwood rose to 31.4%, while hardwoods increased to 63.9%. When compared internationally with other softwood exporters, Germany topped the table with an increase of 1.5 million m3 in 2006. Figures for the others were as follows: Russia up 1.1 million m3, Sweden up 1 million m3, US up 117,000m3, Finland up 26,000m3, Austria down 470,000m3 and Canada down 2.6 million m3.
Britain ranks highly among the destinations for German timber exports, accounting for softwood shipments of more than 300,000m3 for construction purposes and more than 100,000m3 of European hardwood for interior finishing and furniture production.
German sawmillers’ interest in the British market is being fuelled by the growth of timber frame building in Britain and van Roje, one of Germany’s largest softwood sawmills, took the initiative several years ago and began supplying the British market. Today, more than 12 companies are exporting lumber to Britain. Up until now, some of these exporters had also been supplying the US market with significant volumes, but the slump in the US building industry is limiting marketing options, meaning greater quantities are available for distribution to European markets, including Britain.
Germany’s sawmill and timber industry is one of the world’s most modern. More than 2,010 companies generate a turnover of €4.6bn each year. Fifty major industrial sawmills account for around 70% of the total amount of lumber produced annually, and with it, the lion’s share of the turnover. German sawmills process more than 40 million m3 of roundwood per year. Of this total, 98% was grown in German forests (around 11.1 million ha is forested, with the total timber reserve estimated at 3.4 billion m3) and is mostly softwood. Spruce, fir, pine, larch and Douglas fir are available.
Hardwoods – mostly beech and oak – account for 5% of that total. Beech dominates Germany’s hardwood exports and is valued in Britain. This high-grade material enjoys increasing global demand due to its suitability for interior finishing and furniture production.
Many sawmills have extended their product range by value adding. Among the most modern softwood products available are solid, structural timber – marketed under the initials KVH – Duo/Trio beams, and glue laminated timber. These materials have all been developed to meet the high demands of today’s building techniques. Well-monitored manufacturing guarantees final products of consistent high quality.
Since 2005, comprehensive investments have been made in establishing new and extending existing production capacities. An increase in softwood processing capacity of some 16 million m3 has been projected for central Europe in the period from 2005-2008. At an estimated 13.6 million m3, Germany is expected to account for the largest share of this growth.
The German Timber Promotion Fund is a marketing organisation for Germany’s forestry and timber trade at home and abroad. The fund takes part in many international trade shows and will again be represented at Interbuild from October 28-November 1. Four exporting sawmills will join German Timber at Stand J65/K60 in Hall 5. For more information visit www.germantimber.com.
