News at the FCA

UK TIMBER SHORTAGE -
FCA warns “Panic will only worsen the current crisis”.

As a result of the wet summer of 2006 and the mild winter that followed, Scandinavian, Russian and the Baltic countries had difficulties harvesting the softwood logs which are typically used for fencing and construction materials. Adding to the problems:

• The UK experienced exceptionally high winds during January and February, damaging thousands of garden fences in their paths.
• Major construction projects in China and Dubai have exacerbated the situation.
• Export levy applied by Russia

Currently UK sawmills and timber suppliers are unable to confirm delivery dates to the fencing contractors whose customers, quite understandably, are expecting installation deadlines to be met.

The Fencing Contractors Association is working closely with its Members and the wider industry to assist them through this prolonged crisis but urges customers to be more understanding of the procurement problems and not to “panic the prices up”. If available, the industry is already experiencing 30% increases (and rising) on timber costs.

Statement issued on 27 April 2007
by Wendy Baker, Chief Executive,
FENCING CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION
Tel: 07000 560 722 Email: wendybaker@fencingcontractors.org