Non coniferous roundwood market in France

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the non-coniferous roundwood market in France experienced a gradual contraction. The market size began the period at 29.4 million m³ in 2018, supported by the launch of the Third Wood Plan (2018-2020), which directed public investment toward forestry training, hardwood valorization in construction, and the promotion of wood in building renovation. These measures, alongside record-high timber prices, helped maintain initial production levels. However, the market volume then declined to 27.4 million m³ by 2020.

After a partial recovery in 2021, the market resumed its downward trend, reaching 27.4 million m³ in 2023. This later phase was driven by a decrease in the volumes of roundwood supplied from private forests to the market and a sharp drop in demand from the single-family housing construction sector. Furthermore, the initial implementation of U.S. protectionist measures, which increased tariffs on European wood products, began to negatively affect export flows.

Entering 2024, the standing timber market showed signs of stabilization. Prices for certain softwoods like Douglas fir and maritime pine rose significantly, while demand for oak—particularly for cooperage—weakened due to quality issues. Ongoing trade tensions with the United States continued to challenge competitiveness, even as innovation in wood processing and sustained demand for sustainable materials provided some support to the sector.

Production non coniferous roundwood in France

In kind, 2017-2020, K m³

From 2017 to 2020, France maintained the 16th position globally in terms of non-coniferous roundwood production volume.

Top producers of non coniferous roundwood, 2017-2020

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

France's non-coniferous roundwood production declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, production reached 28 741 K m³, marking a 5.2% decrease compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 7.4%, with an annualized decline rate of 2.5%.

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

Exports non coniferous roundwood from France

Exports in kind, K m³

France's exports of non-coniferous roundwood increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 1 497 K m³, showing a moderate rise of 7.4% compared to 2019. However, between 2017 and 2020, overall exports decreased by 16%, equivalent to an annualized decline of 5.7%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 1 265 K m³, which saw the largest decline of 29.0% that year. In contrast, 2019 experienced the largest increase of 10.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three key markets—Belgium, Italy, and China—collectively accounted for 69.2% of France's total non-coniferous roundwood exports in volume terms.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, France exported non-coniferous roundwood worth 244.1 M $ US, showing no significant change compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 7.4%, with an annualized growth rate of 2.4%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 265.6 M $ US, which also saw the largest increase of 16.8%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with an 8.6% drop.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Belgium (24.2% of exports by value), China (23.5%), and Italy (14.4%) remained the top buyers of non-coniferous roundwood from France, together accounting for 62.1% of total export value.

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

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

Imports non coniferous roundwood to France

Imports in kind, K m³

After a two-year decline, France's imports of non-coniferous roundwood increased. In 2020, imports amounted to 183 K m³, up by 14.6% compared to 2019. However, over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 23.6%, with an annualized decline rate of 8.6%. The lowest import volume was in 2019 at 160 K m³, while the largest decline of 28.2% was recorded in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain (43.0% of imports by volume), Germany (11.1%), and Belgium (8.7%) consistently led the country structure of France's non-coniferous roundwood imports, jointly representing 62.8% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

France's non-coniferous roundwood imports declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 41.3 M $ US, marking a 7.7% decrease compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 8.4%, with an annualized decline rate of 2.9%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 50.1 M $ US, which also saw the largest increase of 11.0%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a 10.6% drop.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France's non-coniferous roundwood imports in value terms were not highly concentrated. Germany (15.9% of imports by value), Spain (15.1%), and Congo (14.4%) together accounted for only 45.4% of total import flows.

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

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