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<\/span>\u201cAfter the heat wave, there is a threat of frost,\u201d is how DI Markus Schm\u00f6lzer, chairman of the Austrian sawmill industry, describes the current situation in his industry on the occasion of International Wood Day on September 15, 2023 in P\u00f6rtschach. The great demand in recent years has been followed by a significant decline. \u201cThis year we are experiencing a massive decline in construction activity and a lack of orders from the construction industry. Therefore, the Austrian sawmill industry will produce significantly less in 2023 than in previous years, possibly up to 20 percent.\u201d<\/p>\n The timber trade paints a similar picture. Ing. Franz M\u00fchlbauer, chairman of the Austrian timber trade: \u201cThe lack of orders from the construction industry and private households is having a negative impact on trade. Internationally, the situation is also less dynamic than in previous years. Exports of softwood lumber, which is the basis for many construction applications, are 13% below the level of the previous year. Less orders are being ordered, particularly from our largest markets, Italy and Germany.\u201d<\/p>\n In view of the weakness of the construction sector, the sawmill industry and the timber trade are calling for active political measures, such as investments in energy-efficient and affordable housing construction and renovation funding.<\/p>\n \u201cThe most cost-effective economic stimulus program for the entire economy is the reduction and avoidance of bureaucracy,\u201d emphasizes M\u00fchlbauer and continues: \u201cEspecially in the current economic situation, entrepreneurs have to concentrate on their core business.\u201d He criticizes the policy that came into force a few weeks ago EU Deforestation Regulation \u2013 EUDR for short: \u201cThe EUDR cannot currently be implemented within the required deadlines because many technical questions still have no answers. So we need clarity and longer deadlines for trade within the EU in order to be able to behave in accordance with the law.\u201d<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" \u201cAfter the heat wave, there is a threat of frost,\u201d is how DI Markus Schm\u00f6lzer, chairman of the Austrian sawmill industry, describes the current situation in his industry on the occasion of International Wood Day on September 15, 2023 in … Continue reading