The EU is effectively the only region in the world that does not have significant export restrictions on raw materials. But that could also change with lumber shortages. The Bulgarian Ministry of Agriculture issued an order on August 18 to ban the export of wood to non-EU countries until November 17 this year, in order to solve the shortage of wood for ordinary people and the wood processing industry. Bulgaria's timber demand has tripled due to high fuel prices.<\/p>\n
The Hungarian government has also begun restricting firewood exports. While not outright banned, it gives the government the power to control exports and potentially stop sales abroad altogether. In Slovakia, panic over supplies led to calls for a ban on exports, but the Agriculture Ministry ruled that out.<\/p>\n
Almost all hardwood species in Europe are now used as firewood such as oak, chestnut, birch etc. But these are still not enough and softwoods such as spruce are reportedly being used as firewood. This can lead to a raw material availability crisis for both the European hardwood and softwood industry.<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"