French oak in demand in China

Demand amongst Chinese consumers for quality wooden furniture and floorings has apparently resulted in record demand for French oak producers.

A woodcutter saws off a freshly cut oak in Beze, southeast France, July 5, 2016. [File Photo: IC]

That’s according to Reuters news, who report that this is good news for growers in France, who are reaping the benefits of record demand and higher prices.

However, as many Chinese buyers chose to buy oak logs directly from the growers and process the wood domestically, there’s some concern about the prospects of French saw mills.

Reuters report that over 25,000 French jobs are linked to the oak industry, with the country being the third largest producer globally of the wood.

Trade between China and France continues to grow rapidly.

For example, we recently reported that there’s an unprecedented interest amongst Chinese businesses to invest in French wine.

Already, some 200 French wineries are owned by Chinese buyers, with many more set to follow.

According to the latest trade data, the most popular imported wines in China come from France.