Changes and improvements in technology have had a significant impact on the European forest products market and will continue to do so in the future. Recent technological innovations include the development of new solid wood products which are gaining acceptance in the market. Relatively new products, such as oriented strand boards (OSB) and medium density fiberboard (MDF), have been in use in Europe for the past twenty years and it is anticipated that the demand for these products will increase in the future. At the same time a whole new range of lower cost engineered wood products (e.g. high–density fiberboard, laminated veneer lumber, I–joists, pre–cut lumber, etc.) are gaining acceptance on the marketplace. These new products will bring about product substitution of the more traditional products and are predicted
to generally expand the market for wood products.
Opinions are that new technology in the area of office automation, internet and computers will make a revolution in the paper industry. Changes in the way that people communicate (e.g. e–mails, websites, etc.) will lead to a change in the demand for types of paper, and an increase is predicted in paper for advertising, newspapers, etc.
As per the UNECO Timber Committee Report, the general outlook of the European market for forest based industry in the next 15 years sees a raise in the consumption of sawn wood, panels and especially paper.

OPPORTUNITIES IN SERBIA

With its highly diverse landscape, from fertile plains to high mountainous regions, and with mild continental climate, Serbia is home to a wide range of both coniferous and deciduous species. This variety of species offers endless opportunities in forest based industries.
The centuries long experience with forests and wood oriented products has created a strong base for industry as well as a skilled and productive workforce with a wealth of experience.
The necessary skill set for wood processing industry is being constantly built on: twenty two high schools specialized in wood processing and the Faculty of Forestry at Belgrade University educate thousands of young people each year.
Serbian companies have a long standing tradition of cooperation with foreign buyers. Exceptional human capital available at very competitive prices with high quality raw materials provides opportunities on the domestic as well as foreign markets.
Presently, the forest based industry, along with the rest of the economy of Serbia, is in the process of transition. This opens many opportunities for investors especially through the privatization process. It is expected that the privatization process in plywood, hardboard and particle board production plants will be completed soon.
The local market traditionally has a continuous high demand and is well supplied with wood and wooden
products. With recent developments in the economy, as well as with more foreign direct investments coming into Serbia, this market is constantly growing. This can especially be said for the Serbian furniture market – domestic companies produce high quality furniture which successfully rivals the imports. Serbian suppliers are also well known for their production of wooden seat and furniture parts.

For more information, contact us at: info@serbianfurniture.org