Tackling the hoarding of European wood by non-European players

7.1.2022

Question for written answer  E-000076/2022
to the Commission
Rule 138
Emmanuel Maurel (The Left)

Wood is a key material for the EU. It will enable the EU to make the green transition in the construction sector and to reduce its CO₂ emissions.

Nevertheless, despite the scale of wood production in the EU, particularly in France and Romania, the European timber industry is experiencing a shortage of supply. This is hard to believe given that, at the same time, European timber exports not only to the United States, but also and above all to China, are booming.

In 2017, China decided to ban the felling of trees for a period of 99 years in order to conserve its forests. This strategy is one of hoarding supplies of this raw material by offering it for sale at prices well above those that European players are able to offer, which is having a negative effect on European sawmills and on the supply of timber to the European market.

In light of this situation, which undermines the EU’s climate objectives, will the Commission:

• 1.Follow in Russia’s footsteps and halt log exports in order to protect European access to this resource?
• 2.Introduce a proactive policy to support European sawmills?