Wood Market Trends in Europe - BC Coastal Initiative

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Photo credit: POST/LIGNUM
Signifi cant changes in
industry structure and
markets have taken
place in Europe over the
last decade...
Figure 1
Canada’s exports of wood products
and furniture to Europe, 1997-2006
Source: Statistics Canada
Other wood products
Wooden furniture and
furniture parts
Builders' joinery and
carpentry products
Veneer and composite
wood panels
Hardwood lumber and
continuously shaped wood
Softwood lumber and
continuously shaped wood
Fuel wood, wood chips,
sawdust and waste
Introduction
Europe is Canada’s second-largest offshore market for wood products, after
Japan. Signifi cant changes in industry structure and markets have taken place
in Europe over the last decade, many of which are related to the opening up
of the countries in the former Eastern Bloc. The following drivers are playing
an important role in the way Europe’s forest industry and wood product
markets are evolving:
• investments in Eastern Europe and Russia;
• China’s rise in furniture and wood products manufacturing;
• climate change and energy security concerns.
This report summarizes the key trends in Europe’s wood product sector and
assesses resulting opportunities and challenges for Canadian wood product
suppliers. While each trend is a stand-alone document, several trends are
interconnected and are referenced in the text.
This publication summarizes a large body of market research, literature and
data sources. Each market trend includes a list of selected reports and websites
for those interested in more in-depth information.
Million Canadian Dollars
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100
0
1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006