French timber industry remains under pressure as construction sector falters

France’s timber industry continues to face a difficult environment in 2024, with no short-term relief in sight. The national construction and renovation sector remains in a deep slump, with housing starts down 14% compared to 2023 — a year that was already marked by substantial decline. This ongoing contraction has weighed heavily on domestic timber demand, limiting market recovery across the supply chain. The broader economic climate remains tense. While inflation is contained and interest rates have started to fall, political uncertainty — both domestic and international — continues to dampen investment activity. As a result, efforts to stimulate construction ...