Markets Archive
Archive of industry markets from the global ttj industryMarkets By Date
April 2019
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Global uncertainty hits confidence
Finnish mills are satisfied with demand but political events around the world have the potential to cause some disruption. Keren Fallwell reports
Softwood futures
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
February 2019
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Unbowed by brexit
Regardless of political and economic uncertainty, some hardwood traders are still budgeting for growth. Mike Jeffree reports
December 2018
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Hoping for the best
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
November 2018
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All change on softwood market
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
October 2018
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Brexit concerns start to bite
The chipboard sector has had its challenges and Brexit is looming large. Andrew Tunnicliffe reports
Making the most of challenging times
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
September 2018
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Gearing up for Brexit
Major Irish pallet producer CJ Sheeran explains how it has increased its ISPM15 heat-treatment capacity
Unchartered waters for pallets sector
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
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
August 2018
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Globalised hardwood market brings pressures
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
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
July 2018
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Changing ownership
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
May 2018
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Oak passion
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
Fencing hits its peak season and tightness in log supply is causing headaches for pallet manufacturers. Sally Spencer reports
Supply and demand squeeze
The UK hardwood sector is caught between a more cautious market and global supply constraints. Mike Jeffree reports
April 2018
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Desperately seeking softwood
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.
The only way is up
Ireland’s timber industry is subject to the same pressures on supply as the rest of the world and prices for both logs and sawn timber are on the rise. Sally Spencer reports
March 2018
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Supply issues dominate market
Securing supply is currently preoccupying the chipboard trade. Keren Fallwell reports
February 2018
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UK sawmills seek supply solutions
Continuing high log prices and a lack of log availability have reached dangerous proportions in the UK, with mills cutting their production as a result. But an industry crunch meeting with the Scottish government has provided hope of a solution, reports Stephen Powney
