HELSINKI — European softwood production declined by 6.4% in 2023 to 80,894,000m3 with a further slight drop expected in 2024, according to the European Organisation of the Sawmilling Industry (EOS). The figures were presented at the EOS summer General Assembly in Helsinki on June 12-13. The forecast for 2024 is 79,459.000m3, which if accurate will be the lowest production output for EOS countries for about nine years. But the EOS says there is hope in the industry that the market will bottom out this year. Production shrunk by 5-10% across EOS member countries in 2023, with the decline in turnover much more sizable. Overseas the situation was equally difficult with subdued exports across the board with the exception of the US. Increasing sawnwood deliveries to the US have helped some European sawmills navigate this challenging environment. “Many countries have emphasized a disconnect between subdued sawnwood prices and high raw material prices,” said the EOS.