European sawn softwood consumption is predicted to increase by 2.5% in 2010, according to a UNECE Timber Committee statement.
The committee forecasts North American consumption to bounce back by 5.5%, with the CIS seeing a 27.9% growth.
However, despite the predicted upturn for most wood products, the committee said it was “far too early to speak about a recovery”.
The committee underlined the importance of China to the UNECE region forest products markets, with Chinese forecasts pinpointing a quick recovery to double-digit growth.
A further decline in roundwood production in 2009, before a slight upturn in Europe and the CIS but not in North America.
