The United Nations is the main international organisation involved in the collection and dissemination of statistics in relation to the timber trade. The UN gathers data on trade flows, production and consumption in all regions of the world and also carries out studies on future supply and demand patterns. Forecasts are available embracing the period up to 2010.
The principal market for timber and timber products which will emerge from Ireland's increasing forest estate will be Europe. UN studies predict that the demand for timber and timber products in Europe will rise substantially by the year 2010. Afforestation policies and targets are determined by reference to supply and demand predictions for industrial roundwood. Total demand for industrial roundwood in Europe is expected to almost treble, from 298 million cubic metres in 1991 to 855 million cubic metres in 2010. However, production capacity in Europe is projected to increase at much slower rate — the relevant figures are 1991 production at 284 million cubic metres rising to 469 million cubic metres in 2010. Accordingly, the UN predicts that there will be a growing requirement in Europe for timber products, based on consumption forecasts in the following categories:
|
1991
|
2010% increase
|
Sawnwood
|
91
|
255
|
+180
|
Wood-based panels
|
41
|
117
|
+185
|
Pulp for paper
|
40
|
88
|
+120
|
Paper and paperboard
|
66
|
131
|
+98
|
The planting target of 30,000 hectares per annum which has been set by the Government is geared towards taking advantage of the market opportunities predicted. I believe that Ireland, having one of the fastest growth rates for softwoods in Europe, is well placed to take advantage of this growing demand. Our planting programme will provide the raw material resource to manufacture value-added products such as oriented strand board and medium density fibreboard the consumption of which, as I have already indicated is predicted to almost treble within the next 20 years.