Future Development of the European Softwood Lumber Industry

The development of the softwood lumber industry in Europe is driven mainly by demand for softwood lumber. Therefore, critical analyses are made herein on the future demand for softwood lumber. The conclusion is that the demand is going through a structural change due to changed socio-economic developments. This will likely result in a lower growth rate of demand or declining demand in the future. Wood supply in Europe is expected to increase in the future, resulting in a higher degree of self sufficiency of softwood lumber in different regions of Europe. The sawmilling industry is facing economic difficulties in general. The only way to improve the economic conditions for the industry is intensified research and development