Timber market in 1989 and prospects for 1990

The growth of the gross national product in industrial developed countries amounted 4.5 percent in 1988, it will be decreased to 3.5 percent in 1989 and will fall to 2.9 percent in 1990. The rate of growth in 1989 fell to 2 percent in the U.S.A. and thus will amount in 1990. In West European countries it amounted 3.75 percent in 1988, 3.50 percent in 1989 and it will amount 3 percent in 1990. In the countries of eastern Europe and in the U.S.S.R. the rate of growth of the national income will range from 3.5 to 4.4 percent in 1989 and 1990. For European forestry 1988 was a very good year as far as production and trade were concerned. In 1989 a further growth in many forestry branches has been noted. Because of restrictive monetary policy in 1990, there will come to slowing down of consumption and production of sawn timber, however timber market, in general, will remain strong. In 1988 and 1989 there has been decline in consumption and production of sawn timber and certain types of panels in North America, however they except in 1990. In both regions a further growth of pulpwood consumption in 1989 and 1990 is expected. The prices of most forest products and timber industry show a tendency to grow in 1990. It particularly to beech timber.