CEI-Bois, the European Confederation of Woodworking Industries that represents 21 European and national organisations from 15 countries is the body backing the interests of the industrial European wood sector. The organisation recently opened a questionnaire on the impacts to the industry of COVID-19. Source: Timberbiz
A number of questions were posed to the industry and a link is at the bottom of this story to enable a full rundown. As a snapshot this is how the industry sees the general situation and the impacts of the virus.
The Covid-19 outbreak is taking a significant toll on the woodworking industry, with some difference among countries. The most common reported problems: decline in domestic and foreign demand, interruption of the supply chain, retail closings, border closings and increased border controls. Labour shortage is experienced in certain countries.
In Finland
The impact has been manageable within the overall forest industry, but the wood industry has been hit comparatively hard by the outbreak. Industry output has been at normal levels and measures to secure output have been in place for a few weeks and companies have been increasing their stock. However, they are preparing for a worsening situation, as demand will diminish as a direct effect of the slowdown of construction and furniture production. Exports to Italy, France, Spain and Belgium have already come to a halt.
In Germany
The impact of the crisis in Germany is significant. In Germany companies report massive production restrictions due to the interruption of the supply chain, the declining order intake and the logistical problems. Some of the companies have already stopped production; many others are not producing at full capacity.
Similar issues are reported in Austria, especially for what concerns lower demand due to the interruption of construction activities, halt of exports to Italy and border control blockages.
In Belgium
There 1 in 3 companies experienced a loss of more than 70% of turnover, about 1 in 5 companies experience a loss of 51-70% and 1 in 5 companies estimate a loss of 21-50%. There are major differences among timber importers, as 50% of the companies estimate the drop to be less than 10%.
In Portugal
In Portugal entrepreneurs estimate that the situation will progressively worsen compared with a reference time of the 15/02. Overall, 70% of companies surveyed expect a decrease in turnover of20% or more by the 15/05 (30% expect a reduction of 40% or more), and the trend is expected to continue until August. More than 60% of the companies surveyed demonstrated the intention to work at least at 50% of their installed capacity during April and May.
The report also discusses what types of measure the sector would need to assist.
For the comprehensive report visit:
https://ttf.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/CEI-Bois-Questionnaire-Covid19-20200409.pdf
