Timber trades across Europe enjoyed markedly differing fortunes during 2000 and early 2001, according to FEBO, the European Timber Trade Association.
The UK, Finland, Luxembourg, Latvia, Belgium and Ireland fared the best of all the European countries covered in the report. Finland experienced double-digit growth in 2000 and expects growth to be around 5% during 2001. In Luxembourg a 3% cut in VAT on all renovation work fuelled double-digit increases during 2000 and into 2001.
Belgium saw demand rise by 2.5% last year although growth slowed considerably during the first quarter of 2001.
Both the UK and Ireland were said to have enjoyed a satisfactory year. The UK experienced an increase of 2.5% in the size of the overall market for timber and panel products, taking it to 16.28 million m³in 2000.
Elsewhere sales fared less well. Austria and Germany were hit by an unsatisfactory first quarter of 2001. Denmark was hit by a 10% fall in turnover during 2000 that FEBO claims was partly the result of an increased tax burden.
FEBO predicts the European timber trade will enjoy a satisfactory year during 2001 despite signs of a downturn.
