|
Global demand is growing steadily by 1-2% per year
in all wood product areas, and rapidly in target
segments. Demand for further-processed
products is expected to grow by 9% per year in
Japan and 5% in Europe up to 2005.
Market conditions are expected to remain slightly
positive through the first half of 2003, but profitability
will be under pressure from currency effects and freight
rates. The US market will not recover until the current
oversupply eases. Low inventories and the coming spring
season will keep European and Japanese markets stable.
|
