The global raw material shortage of raw timber poses a significant threat to the building materials industry. Timber is a crucial component in various construction applications, including framing, flooring, and furniture production.

The shortage can lead to increased prices of timber and timber-based products. This, in turn, raises the overall cost of construction projects, making them more expensive for developers and consumers alike. Builders might have to look for alternative materials, which could potentially compromise the quality and performance of the final structures.

It can also disrupt supply chains, causing delays in project timelines. Manufacturers may struggle to meet the demand for timber products, affecting the timely delivery of building materials and hampering construction schedules.

Moreover, the shortage might encourage illegal logging and unsustainable forestry practices, further damaging the environment and exacerbating the problem in the long term.

To mitigate these effects, the industry could focus on promoting sustainable forestry management, investing in research and development of alternative building materials, and improving recycling and reuse of existing timber products.