The solid UK softwood market is uncharacteristically quiet for this time of year, and buyers are reluctant to commit to volumes on the forward market while prices are under pressure. Most merchants attribute weakened demand to a collapse of confidence in the retail and DIY market.   Consumers are feeling the effects of run-away inflation in gas, electricity and fuel costs which are combining with a general rise in most living expenses. Interest rates still remain historically low, but there is an upward trend being predicted by the Bank of England and with today’s ...