In spring it was feared that the year for the timber industry would not be too good because of the Corona crisis. Contrary to expectations, however, it remained “stable”.
The year 2020, which was shaped by Corona, ultimately went better for the timber industry than feared in the spring. That also applies, although it did not go as expected, said the new chairman of the wood industry in the Chamber of Commerce (WKÖ), Herbert Jöbstl.
The wood consumption has remained relatively stable this year. Apparently there was a lot of tinkering at home during the lockdowns, as evidenced by the rush to the hardware stores after the first major lockdown in Austria, for example. In contrast, major projects have already failed, but there is hope for a follow-up effect.
Their reputation for good quality is also important for the local timber industry. The broad positioning in markets such as China, Europe, or overseas also helps when going through crises. Demand in China picked up again when Corona was just beginning to cause problems on the European continent. From a global perspective, wood consumption is increasing, which benefits domestic industry.
Austria's wood industry, for example, produces more than two thirds of the cross-laminated timber worldwide, with which buildings are built around the world, some of which are groundbreaking and with renowned architects.
“Especially in structurally weak regions of Austria, the wood industry secures jobs and thus makes an important contribution to stability in a labor market torn by Corona,” emphasizes Jöbstl. However, the wood industry must be strengthened in order to maintain its efficiency. It's about jobs, innovation and climate protection. This requires “sustainable framework conditions and for implementation we also need political support”.
Regarding climate change, Jöbstl says that the renewable raw material wood with its CO2 storage is part of the solution to the climate problem. But he calls for “a sustainable overall Austrian strategy for coping with climate damage.”
