Is there a shortage of timber in Australia?

But Australia has never produced more timber. Experts say there are a few reasons behind the timber shortage. The HomeBuilder program from the Morrison government proved more popular than anticipated. And because many other countries have used construction as stimulus, there is global competition for materials.

Is there still a timber shortage?

There is a shortage of timber battens. But last month the Timber Trade Federation (TTF) reported “record-breaking” imports of timber since the beginning of 2021, assuaging ongoing concerns following the timber shortage earlier this year. There are “ongoing challenges” with supply, the CLC says.

What caused the shortage of timber?

Australia is experiencing a critical timber shortage due to surging demand and the black summer bushfires. The cost of wood is skyrocketing because there’s not enough of it – leading to calls for the federal government to extend the HomeBuilder program.

Why is there a lumber shortage 2021?

As Fortune has previously explained, this historic lumber shortage was spurred by a perfect storm of factors set off during the pandemic. When COVID-19 broke out in spring 2020, sawmills cut production and unloaded inventory in fears of a looming housing crash. The crash didn’t happen—instead, the opposite occurred.

Why does Bunnings have no timber?

The bushfires in East Gippsland have put many logging contractors out of work. While Bunnings is not a major retailer of VicForests products, it is a symbolic blow for the industry due to the company’s high profile. Bunnings said it had a “zero-tolerance” stance on illegally logged timber.

Will timber prices drop?

Price of timber will settle down earlier In addition, the value chains first have to start up. This could still take some time after curtailing it, perhaps too much, during the Covid-crisis. Due to the value chain disruptions, we expect shortages of timber and steel to remain an issue until at least early 2022.

Will building materials go down in 2022?

“Due to the value chain disruptions, we expect shortages of timber and steel to remain an issue until at least early 2022. Therefore high prices for timber and steel for construction projects will remain for the coming quarters before settling down” the economists said.

Has timber gone up in price?

The price of timber has been on the rise for more than a decade, and following figures from the Forestry Commission revealing a 28 percent increase in log prices in just one year, it shows no sign of slowing down. With further increases all but a certainty, the industry is experiencing unprecedented material costs.

How much has timber gone up?

Between the beginning of 2014 and the middle of 2017, the cost of the timber we use increased by approximately 5\%. Since then, despite the incredibly short time frame, timber prices have risen in excess of 20\%.

Is there going to be a timber shortage?

The shortage is likely to be temporary – months not years – but these things have a habit of not following expectations. “Australia is in the midst of a critical timber shortage due to a surge in demand during the COVID-19 pandemic on the back of devastating bushfires.

What is being done about the Australian softwood shortage?

Australian Forest Products Association have their softwood chamber and they are all working together to address the shortage at an Australian level and John Halkett of the Australian Timber Importers Federation is also working hard to identify more wood to come to Australia.

Are timber prices set to rise in Australia?

Unless there is an expansion of domestic timber supply through increased investment in sawmilling capacity, these prices will likely be higher in Australia. “In the short-term building contractors need to show loyalty to suppliers as this is more likely to get them access to limited supply.

Is softwood going from South Australia to China?

Softwood stockpiled in the wood holding yard at the Port of Portland ready for export. ( A South Australian regional timber processor has warned thousands of tonnes of softwood resource are bypassing mills and heading to China, despite long-term shortages facing some businesses.