Markets Archive

Timber prices soften
16 May 2019 Our latest market update on the fencing and pallets sector sees a lot more stability and even downward pressure on raw material prices, while good weather has also provided a welcome boost to demand, reports Stephen Powney.

Traders resigned to flat market
15 May 2019 A combination of weaker demand around the world and oversupply has softened the market for plywood and OSB. Traders are hoping a Brexit decision in October and traditional autumn demand will lift business. Keren Fallwell reports

Brexit hits hardwood
15 May 2019 Brexit and a global slowdown are creating competitive conditions in the UK hardwood sector. Mike Jeffree reports.

Global uncertainty hits confidence
22 April 2019 Finnish mills are satisfied with demand but political events around the world have the potential to cause some disruption. Keren Fallwell reports

Softwood futures
22 April 2019 This year’s Timber Trade Federation (TTF) UK Softwood Conference attracted a large audience keen to hear about the market’s potential direction amid the continuing political and economic uncertainty, reports Stephen Powney

Unbowed by brexit
12 February 2019 Regardless of political and economic uncertainty, some hardwood traders are still budgeting for growth. Mike Jeffree reports

Hoping for the best
17 December 2018 The future of Anglo-Irish trade is in the hands of the politicians at the moment, causing a great deal of uncertainty. Sally Spencer reports

All change on softwood market
22 November 2018 The softwood market is very dynamic, with the US/China tariff war, concerns about Brexit and log supply issues all playing their part. Jerry Wilson reports

Brexit concerns start to bite
25 October 2018 The chipboard sector has had its challenges and Brexit is looming large. Andrew Tunnicliffe reports

Making the most of challenging times
25 October 2018 Business in the joinery sector under the “shadow of Brexit” may be more stop start and capital investment may be patchy but manufacturers still see opportunities to drive market share. Mike Jeffree reports

Gearing up for Brexit
25 September 2018 Major Irish pallet producer CJ Sheeran explains how it has increased its ISPM15 heat-treatment capacity

Unchartered waters for pallets sector
25 September 2018 Pallet and fencing timber price levels have been rocketing in 2018. Uncertainty remains as to how near we are to the market peak. Stephen Powney reports

Politics start to dominate
25 September 2018 Currently stable, the UK plywood market remains positive but there are challenges looming. Meanwhile OSB continues to take market share. TTJ contributor Andy Tunnicliffe speaks to key market players

Globalised hardwood market brings pressures
27 August 2018 In the words of one importer, global demand for hardwood of all kinds is on the rise, and the UK trade has to deal with the consequences. Mike Jeffree reports

Swedish forest fire risk poses new supply threat
27 August 2018 After a strong softwood market in the first five months to the end of May, many UK timber merchants experienced slackening demand during June and up to mid-July. From then onwards, a gradual and stronger level of activity began to emerge. The downturn was at odds with global trends, which saw other markets across Europe and in other major economic areas witness steady and expanding consumption. Jerry Wilson reports

Changing ownership
26 July 2018 For the latest MDF report, we give a global picture of MDF mill developments. This extract from the first part of an annual survey of the global MDF industry by independent consultant Geoff Rhodes for sister title Wood-Based Panels International looks at expanded capacity

Oak passion
22 May 2018 English Woodlands has carved out a reputation as a passionate hardwood timber merchant on a growth trajectory. Stephen Powney visited its Cocking site

Price volatility set to continue
22 May 2018 Fencing hits its peak season and tightness in log supply is causing headaches for pallet manufacturers. Sally Spencer reports

Supply and demand squeeze
22 May 2018 The UK hardwood sector is caught between a more cautious market and global supply constraints. Mike Jeffree reports

Desperately seeking softwood
25 April 2018 The TTF’s Softwood Conference came at a key time for the European softwood sector, with delegates keen to hear about latest market developments and forecasts for 2018 and beyond. Stephen Powney reports.