The situation promises to be "less favorable" for the timber market this year, due to a more difficult economic situation, warned Friday, February 17 the National Forestry Office (ONF).
"The international context and the economic recession that is looming raise fears of a more difficult year 2023, with a drop in economic activity and prices, in particular for softwoods", estimates the public establishment in a note.
The situation should thus contrast with that of last year, considered to be prosperous for the market thanks to an increase in demand and prices.
The economic situation appears less favorable this year with fears of recession in certain countries and inflation which weighs on purchasing power and increases production costs.
"The fear is that of a stoppage of consumption. In the United States already, the number of new housing constructions has fallen by 15 to 20%", notes the ONF.
“With a 69% drop in structural timber in one year, American sawn timber is back to its level of five years ago, which was very low,” explained in the note Benoît Généré, in charge of monitoring timber markets. at the Office.
“We expect a reduction in volumes and a price reduction passed on in the supply contracts,” he added.
Last year, sales from French state forests, managed by the ONF, took advantage of the then favorable economic climate, marked by strong demand.
These wood sales had reached 316 million euros, up 21% compared to 2021, according to figures from the ONF.
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