Coniferous wood fuel market in Austria

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for coniferous wood fuel in Austria declined from 5.0 million m³ in 2018 to 3.7 million m³ in 2021, a contraction of over 25%. This downward trend reversed in 2022, with the market growing to 4.2 million m³, and continued to expand to 4.6 million m³ by 2023.

The recovery in 2022 was facilitated by a slight reduction in spruce bark beetle damage compared to the severe infestations of 2018-2020, which improved wood supply from neighboring regions like Bavaria and supported greater market availability. Growth continued into 2023, with the market volume increasing by a further 11%.

In 2024, the market environment was shaped by persistently high demand for firewood, supported by cost-effective production, and a scarcity of softwood in Central Europe due to ongoing pest pressures, climatic stress, and more restrictive forestry policies. The impending EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) also introduced new compliance factors that could influence future wood flows and prices.

Production coniferous wood fuel in Austria

In kind, 2017-2020, K m³

Austria was among the world's leading producers of coniferous wood fuel from 2017 to 2020, ranking 16th globally by production volume.

Top producers of coniferous wood fuel, 2017-2020

World map of production of coniferous wood fuel, 2017-2020

After two years of growth, coniferous wood fuel production in Austria declined. In 2020, Austria produced 3 359 K m³ of coniferous wood fuel, which is 7.6% less than in 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production increased by 16.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.4%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 3 634 K m³, with the largest year-on-year increase of 12.9% also occurring that year.

Annual dynamics of production in Austria in kind, 2017-2020, K m³

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following two years of expansion, Austria's coniferous wood fuel production value decreased. In 2020, the output was valued at 152.2 M $ US, representing a 23.1% decline compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production value grew by 18.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.8%. The peak value was reached in 2019 at 198.1 M $ US, while the most significant increase of 44.8% occurred in 2018.

Annual dynamics of production in Austria in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports coniferous wood fuel from Austria

Exports in kind, K m³

In 2020, Austria exported 208 K m³ of coniferous wood fuel, marking a 4.5% increase year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports rose by 40.6%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 12.0%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 226 K m³, which also saw the largest increase of 52.8%. In contrast, exports experienced their biggest decline of 11.9% in 2019.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Austria in kind, 2017-2020, K m³

From 2017 to 2020, Italy consistently served as the primary destination for Austria's coniferous wood fuel exports in volume terms, accounting for 79.0% of total flows. The remaining share was distributed among various smaller markets.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Austria in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. In 2020, Austria's coniferous wood fuel exports were valued at 9 409 K $ US, reflecting a 13.1% decrease from the previous year. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 13 047 K $ US, which also saw the largest increase of 97.5%. The most significant decline occurred in 2019 with a 17.0% drop. From the low in 2017 to the high in 2018, export values varied by a factor of two.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Austria in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, Italy remained the principal market for Austria's coniferous wood fuel exports in value terms, representing 72.4% of total exports. Other destinations collectively formed a smaller portion of the export structure.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Austria in value, 2017-2020

Imports coniferous wood fuel to Austria

Imports in kind, K m³

Austria's imports of coniferous wood fuel declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 1 199 K m³, showing a substantial decrease of 18.8% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports fell by 34.5%, equating to an annualized decline of 13.2%. The peak import volume was recorded in 2018 at 2 008 K m³, which also experienced the largest increase of 9.7%. The most significant drop occurred in 2019 with a 26.4% reduction.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Austria in kind, 2017-2020, K m³

From 2017 to 2020, Germany (46.0% of imports in volume), Slovakia (23.3%), and Czechia (12.6%) remained the main sources for Austria's coniferous wood fuel imports, collectively accounting for 81.9% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Austria in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Austria's imports of coniferous wood fuel in value terms declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports reached 49 613 K $ US, representing a sharp decrease of 28.6% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, import values decreased by 42.6%, with a compound annual decline rate of 16.9%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 98 807 K $ US, which also saw the largest increase of 14.4%. The most significant decline occurred in 2019 with a 29.7% drop.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Austria in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

During 2017-2020, Germany (49.5% of imports in value), Slovakia (19.1%), and Czechia (12.1%) remained the leading sources in Austria's import structure, together comprising 80.7% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Austria in value, 2017-2020