The amount of European softwood lumber products received in September 2009 decreased to 128,500 cubic meters, an 18.9% decrease compared to the previous month. Compared to last year, the amount received also decreased by 22.6%.
Arrival of European lumber is decreasing due to strong spot prices, weak domestic demand and sluggishness in domestic prices. European lumber is increasingly receiving substitute demand of American lumber and home-swan Russian lumber. However, with slumping demand in overall timber industry in Japan affected by reduction in housing starts, the arrival of European lumber, which has a persistent market, is played down. On the other hand, as for small diameter lumber products, supply of domestic lumber products is increasing steadily, and gaining its market.
