International wood products market in the first half-year 1983

Predictions about revival of world economy in 1982 did not come true. ln the industrially developed countries of the West the rate of growth of the gross national product was negative. ln autumn, the lowest recession level was recorded and indications of economical revival noticed, first in the US and then in the other industrially developed countries. Strong revival of housing construction in the US and Great Britain was a main generator of growth of sawn timber consumption. Exporters took advantage of it by increasing the prices above the expected level. A certain revival in consumption of furniture, first in the U.S, West Germany and Great Britain, brought to slight growth in consumption of deciduous species. However, as the supply and demand for most assortments were balanced, there was no significant change in prices. Plywood and blockboard market recovered too. In the first quarter the price of woodpulp fell to the lowest level. Early in the second quarter, due to gradual reduction of stock the prices slightly increased and remained at that level in the third quarter. By the end of first half-year the prices of paper showed an upward tendency.