An international business meeting, the leading trade show in Europe for 30 years, and a meeting point for all wood product sellers and buyers, Carrefour International du Bois is set to return from June 2-4, 2026, at the Parc des Expositions in Nantes. Organized by Fibois Pays de la Loire – the regional inter-professional organization dedicated to developing all uses of forestry and wood – this business event is designed by and for wood professionals as a unique platform for exchange and decision-making.
With an objective to take the pulse of the economic situation, promote the use of wood, and collectively build the industry of tomorrow, the show is a place to access all companies in the sector, the full range of wood products, their uses, and new developments. It offers in-depth insights into the economic situation and future prospects of the wood market and helps to facilitate and finalize transactions between international suppliers and buyers. Most importantly, it is the showcase for a material that contributes to the global ecological transition.
Géraldine Cesbron, Deputy CEO of Fibois Pays de la Loire and General Commissioner of the Carrefour International du Bois, said: “Coming to the CIB means discovering innovations, exchanging with key industry players, and taking part in discussions that will shape the future of wood. For 2026, the objective is also to position the event as a Barometer for the sector and to provide concrete and structural answers to economic and environmental challenges, both in France and internationally.”
At the heart of global challenges, wood is emerging as a material of the future, being ecological and high-performing, particularly in construction. Facing both challenges and opportunities, the current economic situation will be discussed with Jean-François Guilbert of French Timber, Nicolas Douzain Didier of the Fédération Nationale du Bois (National Wood Federation), Jérôme Martinez of Bois de France (Wood of France) and Jean Piveteau of Piveteau Bois.
“The current situation of the wood market is a delicate balancing act: global production and demand are both decreasing. The drop in the Chinese market and the uncertainty of U.S. tariffs weigh heavily on exporters. France, however, is holding its own by showing a strong diversification of clients, leading to less dependence. Our export dynamism is undeniable. In 15 years, we have multiplied our exports of softwood lumber (from 40,000m³ to 1 million m³). Our forest is rich, particularly in hardwood, which is a unique resource in Europe. The future of the wood trade also depends on drying and the standardization of products, essential levers for fully developing the potential of this market,” stated Jean-François Guilbert, French Timber.
“We are convinced that the future lies in secondary processing and high-value-added products. Optimism is warranted: the wood market is resuming growth and gaining significant share in construction, proving that wood is a good, beautiful, and ecological material. To capitalize on this momentum, we absolutely must industrialize timber construction to make it faster and more affordable, meet the challenge of the labor shortage, and mobilize adapted species such as pine. Our forests are underexploited; yet, wood is the future, and the industry is ready,” concluded Piveteau – Piveteau Bois and President of the Carrefour International du Bois.
