The Spanish market for Scandinavian softwood lumber is currently characterised by very subdued business activity. A revival in demand due to replacement purchases at the end of the holiday period proofed to be short-lived after all. Demand has since plunged back to the low level that has dominated the market practically since the beginning of the year.
Timber merchants and timber converters only buy what is immediately required at the moment. This is partly normal purchasing behaviour as any additions to stocks are usually being avoided towards the year’s end. However, buyers are particularly reluctant to purchase lumber as a further slow-down in demand seems to be on the cards in the coming weeks. From what market insiders say, sales volumes have been largely steady at the present low level since the beginning of this year. Business in pine lumber was a little more satisfactory than the spruce business into October.
