Non coniferous roundwood market in Switzerland

Earlier Report Observations

Swiss non-coniferous roundwood production fell from 1.48 million m³ in 2018 to 1.34 million m³ in 2020, with market volume declining from 1.34 million m³ to 1.23 million m³ over the same period. Climate-induced stressors, including drought, storms, and bark beetle infestations, damaged forests and limited wood availability. The dissolution of the informal timber market commission in 2020 also altered the market monitoring framework.

A recovery began in 2021 as production rose to 1.44 million m³ and market volume reached 1.33 million m³. This rebound was propelled by pent-up demand following the COVID-19 pandemic, which boosted prices and encouraged harvesting. Growth accelerated in 2022, with production hitting 1.60 million m³ and market volume 1.45 million m³, supported by strong demand from the construction sector and the entry into force of the Timber Trade Ordinance, which banned illegally harvested wood.

In 2023, production moderated slightly to 1.58 million m³ and market volume decreased to 1.39 million m³. Broader market trends indicated a mild global recovery for industrial roundwood, with stable prices and sustained demand for sustainable Swiss timber influencing the domestic landscape.

Production non coniferous roundwood in Switzerland

In kind, 2017-2020, K m³

Top producers of non coniferous roundwood, 2017-2020

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

Switzerland's non-coniferous roundwood production has declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 1 336 K m³ of non-coniferous roundwood, marking a 3.4% decrease from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 14.3%, which translates to an average annual decline of 5.0%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Non-coniferous roundwood production in Switzerland has dropped for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 161.1 M $ US, showing a slight decrease of 1.8% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production declined by 14.4%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -5.0%.

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

Exports non coniferous roundwood from Switzerland

Exports in kind, K m³

Switzerland's exports of non-coniferous roundwood have fallen for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country exported 137.7 K m³, representing a significant drop of 22.6% year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 13.3%, with a CAGR of -4.6%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 185.2 K m³, which also saw the largest increase of 16.6% that year.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Italy, China, and Germany remained the top buyers of non-coniferous roundwood from Switzerland. Italy accounted for 42.3% of exports in kind, China for 17.4%, and Germany for 13.3%. Together, these three countries made up 73.0% of Switzerland's total exports in kind.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Switzerland's non-coniferous roundwood exports have declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 16 602 K $ US, indicating a reduction of 21.4% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 13.3%, with an annualized rate of -4.7%. The peak value was reached in 2018 at 23 300 K $ US, which also experienced the largest increase of 21.7% that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, China, and Vietnam were the main destinations for Switzerland's non-coniferous roundwood exports in value terms. Italy represented 42.8% of exports, China 17.7%, and Vietnam 11.5%. Collectively, these three countries absorbed 71.9% of total export value.

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

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

Imports non coniferous roundwood to Switzerland

Imports in kind, K m³

Switzerland's imports of non-coniferous roundwood have decreased for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports totaled 33.0 K m³, showing a decline of 31.4% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports dropped by 35%, with an annualized rate of -13.4%.

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

During the 2017-2020 period, Germany and France were the dominant sources for Switzerland's non-coniferous roundwood imports in kind. Together, they accounted for 83.3% of total import flows, with the remaining share going to other markets.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Switzerland's non-coniferous roundwood imports were valued at 7 976 K $ US, reflecting a gradual decrease of 9.9% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports declined by 2.8%, with an annualized rate of -1.0%. The highest import value was recorded in 2019 at 8 856 K $ US, which also saw the largest increase of 10.8% that year.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, France, Germany, and Italy were the primary suppliers of non-coniferous roundwood to Switzerland in value terms. France contributed 39.3% of imports, Germany 28.8%, and Italy 17.7%. Together, these three countries accounted for 85.9% of total import value.

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

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