And, with the strength of the euro against the US dollar, traders do not expect any resurgence in the foreseeable future.
It was better news for European producers in other markets, particularly on the Continent, the Middle East and North Africa, while demand from Japan remained steady.
However, importers and observers following the European market says a lot needs to change to bring monthly volumes up to the high levels of the second half of 2005 through the first half of 2006.
Monthly shipments during that period fluctuated in a 150-190 million board feet range: volumes in late 2006 had fallen to 80-90 million feet.
European producers are also pushing up timber prices to maintain the lower volumes they’re now shipping, said Random Lengths.