Non coniferous sawnwood market in France

Earlier Report Observations

The French non-coniferous sawnwood market experienced initial recovery in 2018, supported by growing wood construction which boosted demand and led to increased imports as domestic sawmill supply rose only marginally. However, weakened demand for hardwoods like oak and beech caused a 10% drop in standing timber prices in 2019, contributing to a market contraction. The decline deepened in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic dampened global hardwood demand, particularly in Europe and Asia, and trade tensions with the United States began affecting exports through higher tariffs.

Market volume rebounded in 2021 as timber mobilization increased, with over 1.7 million m³ offered in grouped sales, and sawnwood prices rose due to managed log price adjustments. The following year saw strong demand and high prices for hardwoods, especially from the parquet sector and exports, driving production up. However, the overall market size shrank as exports to Asia halted from autumn 2022 amid persistent supply difficulties and international trade frictions.

In 2023, the market declined further as standing timber prices corrected by about 10%, with Douglas fir falling 17% due to softer construction demand. Domestic market activity weakened while exports showed a slight rebound late in the year, though U.S.-EU trade tensions continued to weigh on sawnwood shipments. The industry saw ongoing consolidation, with sawmills processing over 20 000 m³ annually gaining market share, while prices for hardwoods like oak remained at high levels.

Production non coniferous sawnwood in France

In kind, 2017-2020, K m³

From 2017 to 2020, France maintained the 15th position globally in terms of non-coniferous sawnwood production volume.

Top producers of non coniferous sawnwood, 2017-2020

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

France's non-coniferous sawnwood production declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 1 133 K m³, marking a moderate decrease of 9.6% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 24.4%, with an average annual decline of 8.9%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

France's non-coniferous sawnwood production declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 678 M $ US, representing a 19.6% drop year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 33.5%, with an average annual decline of 12.7%.

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

Exports non coniferous sawnwood from France

Exports in kind, K m³

After two years of decline, France's non-coniferous sawnwood export volume increased. In 2020, exports reached 400.4 K m³, up 25.4% year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 13.2%, with an average annual increase of 4.2%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 319.3 K m³, which saw the largest decline of 7.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France's non-coniferous sawnwood export structure was diversified. Belgium accounted for 14.1% of exports in kind, the United Kingdom for 13.1%, and Spain for 10.2%, with these three countries together representing just 37.4% of total flows, indicating no single country held a clearly dominant position.

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's non-coniferous sawnwood exports totaled 239.5 M $ US, an increase of 11.6% compared to the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 214.6 M $ US, which saw the largest decline of 12.8%, while the highest value was in 2018 at 246.0 M $ US.

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

During 2017-2020, the United Kingdom, Belgium, and Germany were key buyers of non-coniferous sawnwood from France, accounting for 15.2%, 14.7%, and 10.9% of exports in value terms, respectively. However, their combined share reached only 40.7% of total exports, with the remaining 59.3% distributed among numerous other partners.

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 sawnwood to France

Imports in kind, K m³

In 2020, France's non-coniferous sawnwood import volume reached 364.2 K m³, a 34.3% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 37.7%, with an average annual increase of 11.3%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, at 16.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France's non-coniferous sawnwood imports in kind were spread across many markets. Belgium accounted for 12.6% of imports, Germany for 11.9%, and Cameroon for 9.4%, with these three countries together representing only 33.8% of total 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 sawnwood import volume increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 240.6 M $ US, showing a robust advance of 10.1% relative to the prior year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 23.5%, equating to an average annual rate of 7.3%.

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

Over 2017-2020, France's non-coniferous sawnwood imports in value terms were not heavily concentrated. Belgium accounted for 11.9% of imports, Cameroon for 11.8%, and Germany for 9.3%, with these three countries together capturing only 33.0% of total flows.

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

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