The Austrian sawmill industry continues to struggle with noticeable reductions in demand for sawn timber from the construction industry, but also from the packaging sector.\u00a0There was hardly any seasonal recovery this year, either in Europe or from overseas markets.\u00a0This will also result in a significant reduction of up to 20% in Austrian lumber production.\u00a0However, cost pressure remains at a high level.\u00a0Energy, logistics and personnel costs in particular remain high and have a negative impact on margins.<\/p>\n
The supply of roundwood varies greatly from region to region depending on the amount of damaged wood. The processing of damaged wood is progressing quickly.\u00a0In addition, the Austrian sawmill industry specifically takes in fresh round wood for marketable offerings.\u00a0Based on the current forecasts, we will probably be operating in a difficult market environment for some time to come.<\/p>\n
The situation in the Austrian wood-based panel industry, much like other sectors, is currently facing an economic downturn. In particular, the construction sector is experiencing limited growth, with significant decreases in private sector demand. Efforts to counter the reduction in new construction through an extensive renovation campaign seem to be only partially effective due to high opportunity costs and reduced resources. The industry is also being affected negatively by successive increases in interest rates.<\/p>\n
Similar trends are observed in the furniture industry, with a relatively subdued outlook and a slight decline in demand across various product ranges.<\/p>\n
While orders fluctuate, they remain at an acceptable level, yet there is a general downward trend. The markets in the vicinity of Austria are also experiencing limited growth. Fortunately, the supply of raw materials and inventory levels remain satisfactory. The availability of required quantities is good, with the capacity for additional supplies, including those from areas affected by natural disasters. Consequently, there is currently an adequate supply of both fresh and recycled wood across all categories.<\/p>\n
Despite the challenges, the Austrian wood-based panel industry anticipates a stable medium-term outlook extending until the year 2024, in terms of production volume.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The Austrian sawmill industry continues to struggle with noticeable reductions in demand for sawn timber from the construction industry, but also from the packaging sector.\u00a0There was hardly any seasonal recovery this year, either in Europe or from overseas markets.\u00a0This will … Continue reading