yesterday at 12:29
,Germany
The Slovak wood processing sector is facing serious disruption to its stability, according to its representatives. Wood processors claim that the business policy of the state-owned enterprise Lesy SR distorts the wood market, favoring only a narrow group of buyers at the expense of others. The Union of Wood Processors (ZSD) warns that the situation is already critical, and without swift action, mass layoffs in the regions are imminent.
„The business policy of Lesy SR leads to a distortion of market stability for wood in Slovakia and favors a few buyers over others,“ stated ZSD representatives in their statement. According to them, the uneven distribution of wood resources threatens especially smaller processors who rely on domestic supplies.
ZSD therefore calls on the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of the Slovak Republic and Lesy SR for constructive dialogue. „It is essential to start negotiations on resolving the crisis situation in wood supplies,“ urges the union. Wood processing companies point to rising costs and difficulties in production planning, which also impact employment in the regions.
According to the union, the government, in line with its program statement, should have prepared a policy on logging and wood processing that would prevent the disproportionate export of unprocessed raw materials abroad. „Slovakia should prioritize adding value domestically, not exporting cheap raw wood,“ emphasizes ZSD.
The union’s representatives therefore demand immediate corrective action, an end to the discrimination of their member companies, and full compliance with existing contracts „to 100%,“ as stated in their position. They argue that the breach of contractual obligations by Lesy SR is systemic and threatens the existence of many businesses.
If the situation does not improve, it could have significant social consequences. „Otherwise, there is a risk of mass layoffs and loss of job opportunities, especially in the regions of Slovakia,“ warns ZSD. The wood processing industry, after all, is among the significant employers in less developed areas.
However, the management of Lesy SR rejects any accusations. According to their statement, they adhere to current legislation and transparent rules in the sale of wood. The state enterprise insists that it does not favor any specific buyer.
Tension between processors and Lesy SR is thus escalating. While wood processors demand equal conditions for all and compliance with contracts, Lesy SR claims to act in accordance with the law. Developments in the coming weeks will show whether a compromise can be reached and further escalation of the crisis in the wood market can be prevented.
