Non coniferous roundwood market in Croatia

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for non-coniferous roundwood in Croatia declined from 4.28 million m³ in 2018 to 3.99 million m³ in 2021. This drop in 2021 coincided with an overall 4.7% decrease in national timber production, which reduced supply and contributed to higher average wood prices.

A sharp recovery to 4.57 million m³ followed in 2022, but the market contracted again to 4.43 million m³ in 2023. The Croatian wood processing industry faced a crisis due to falling exports to key markets like Italy and Germany, coupled with increased competition from cheaper Ukrainian timber on the EU market. During this period, a €15 million investment plan was announced to support the sector's development through initiatives such as a new center for wood product design and marketing.

For 2024, industry reports highlight continued pressure from rising raw material costs, driven by significant price increases from the state-owned company Croatian Forests, alongside lower production and export volumes. Concurrent shifts in consumer preferences, including growing interest in wood as a natural material for interior design, may influence longer-term demand for wood products.

Production non coniferous roundwood in Croatia

In kind, 2017-2020, K m³

Top producers of non coniferous roundwood, 2017-2020

World map of production of non coniferous roundwood, 2017-2020

In 2020, Croatia produced 4 358 K m³ of non-coniferous roundwood, marking a 1.7% decrease from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 2.9%, which translates to an average annual decline of 1.0%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 4 331 K m³. That year also saw the largest drop of 3.5%, while 2019 experienced the biggest increase of 2.4%.

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

Exports non coniferous roundwood from Croatia

Exports in kind, K m³

Non-coniferous roundwood exports from Croatia have risen for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports reached 182.3 K m³, representing a 53.7% increase compared to the previous year. However, looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, exports actually decreased by 22.4%, averaging an 8.1% annual decline. The lowest export volume was in 2018 at 112.3 K m³, which also saw the sharpest drop of 52.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Slovenia, Hungary, and Italy were the primary markets for Croatia's non-coniferous roundwood exports in volume terms. Slovenia accounted for 26.3% of exports, Hungary for 24.5%, and Italy for 23.3%. Together, these three countries made up 74.1% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The data shows irregular fluctuations, pointing to a volatile market environment. Export values in US dollars varied significantly, with a two-fold difference between the low in 2019 and the high in 2020. In 2020, Croatia's non-coniferous roundwood exports totaled 31 485 K US dollars, a 101.0% increase from the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 15 665 K US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 with a 48.4% drop.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Slovenia, Italy, and Hungary remained the top markets for Croatia's non-coniferous roundwood exports in value terms. Collectively, they accounted for 60.7% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports non coniferous roundwood to Croatia

Imports in kind, K m³

After two years of growth, non-coniferous roundwood imports into Croatia declined. In 2020, imports stood at 50.8 K m³, a significant drop of 20.6% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 20.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 6.4%. The highest import volume was in 2019 at 63.9 K m³, and the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a 39.0% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Croatia's non-coniferous roundwood imports in volume terms were primarily directed towards Slovenia and Hungary. Their combined share reached 90.1% of total import flows, with other destinations playing a minor role.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Non-coniferous roundwood imports into Croatia declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 5 532 K US dollars, a 39.5% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports fell by 9.8%, averaging a 3.4% annual decline. The highest import value was recorded in 2018 at 9 247 K US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 50.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Slovenia, Hungary, and Serbia formed the main cluster of markets for Croatia's non-coniferous roundwood imports in value terms. Slovenia accounted for 43.3% of imports, Hungary for 32.6%, and Serbia for 7.6%. Together, they represented 83.5% of total import flows.

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

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