Courage To Go For Plan B
I've been involved in forestry for about half a year now. When it comes to forestry, there are various kinds to the work. There are sawmills that cut logs, associations and wholesalers that sell them, mountain caretakers, and even companies that create mountain roads. Various people are involved, and that's how trees are cut from the mountain, processed, and reaches the consumer. Currently, my position is in selling products to businesses, commonly known as Business to Business (B2B). It's a world disconnected from consumer values, and unlike in the past, the profit margin is quite low.
Prime Past
It seems that the active import of foreign timber began around 70 years ago. During the peak period of unit prices and demand, there were no apparent problems, and there was likely no need to think too much about the future. Good times might not prompt consideration of potential downsides. There were, of course, companies that were well-prepared. The presence of large-scale companies in Yoshino, for example, can be attributed to their strategic and aggressive approach during prosperous times. Currently, the number of businesses has decreased from around 100 to about 30. The decline in demand for domestic timber has led to a drop in prices, dealing a significant blow to the forestry industry. However, the business practices in the industry haven't changed easily, and this has continued until now.
Even if laws were enacted to boost the demand for timber, with the current abundance of alternative materials, it's not guaranteed to boost a price increase. The industry might end up in a situation of thin profit margins and high-volume sales, unlike in the past when prices were higher.
Now Is The Time
There seems to be no correlation between demand and unit price. What can be done? The only option is to explore and attempt methods to increase the unit price. It's easier said than done, but if you don't try, you'll just go under. Times are tough, but there's no choice but to look forward when you're in a tough situation. Clinging to existing business might be comfortable and safe in the short term, with no risk of failure. However, the younger generation is the ones to bear the consequences. If you're going to sink anyway, it's better to struggle. I don't intend to board the Titanic, but if you're in the forestry industry, you have to boldly confront the ongoing situation of sinking and figure out how to deal with it. Move actively enough to drown out the surrounding noise. That, I believe, is the only way to maintain any sense of existential value.
Bye !