Non coniferous sawnwood market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

The German non-coniferous sawnwood market grew from 1.12 million m³ in 2018 to 1.29 million m³ in 2019, supported by the launch of the "Laubholz+" initiative by the German Sawmill and Timber Industry Association (DeSH) to develop new market segments and the introduction of new EU environmental and sustainability standards, which increased demand for certified hardwood sawnwood. However, in 2020, the market contracted to 1.06 million m³ as the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted supply chains and reduced demand from construction and furniture sectors, while a shift towards using hardwood for energy further diverted raw materials from sawnwood production.

Market volume recovered to 1.16 million m³ in 2021, aided by a record timber harvest that boosted the overall supply of hardwood, although demand for softwood remained predominant. The 2022 Charta für Holz 2.0 status report emphasized the need for innovation in hardwood processing, and rising softwood prices during the construction crisis improved the competitiveness of hardwood sawnwood, yet the market still declined to 1.07 million m³ that year amid broader economic headwinds.

By 2023, the market fell further to 914 000 m³ as persistent construction and energy crises dampened overall sawnwood demand, though sustained interest in sustainable hardwood sawnwood was bolstered by new certification and labeling requirements, such as PEFC labels for hardwood products. Additionally, increased focus by state forests on hardwood auctions strengthened the market presence of premium species like oak and beech.

Production non coniferous sawnwood in Germany

In kind, 2017-2020, K m³

On a global scale, Germany ranked as the 19th largest producer of non-coniferous sawnwood between 2017 and 2020.

Top producers of non coniferous sawnwood, 2017-2020

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

Following two consecutive years of growth, Germany's production of non-coniferous sawnwood declined. In 2020, Germany produced 1 002 K m³ of non-coniferous sawnwood, marking a significant year-on-year decrease of 20.8%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 10.3%, which translates to an annualized decline rate of 3.6%. The peak production volume was recorded in 2019 at 1 266 K m³, which also saw the largest annual increase of 9.2%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

After experiencing growth for two years, Germany's non-coniferous sawnwood production value declined. In 2020, the output was valued at 565.6 million US dollars, representing a substantial contraction of 17.8% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production value decreased by 7%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -2.4%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 688.0 million US dollars, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 9.3%.

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

Exports non coniferous sawnwood from Germany

Exports in kind, K m³

In 2020, Germany exported 707.0 K m³ of non-coniferous sawnwood, reflecting a gradual decline of 8.5% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 11.5%, equating to an annualized decline rate of 4.0%. The largest annual increase was recorded in 2019 at 0.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's exports of non-coniferous sawnwood in volume terms were distributed across a wide range of partner countries. China accounted for 22.7% of exports, Poland for 10.1%, and the United States for 9.3%. Together, these three countries represented just 42.2% of total export flows, indicating a diversified market structure.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Non-coniferous sawnwood exports from Germany declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 399.0 million US dollars, showing a limited decrease of 5.0% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 8.3%, with an annualized decline rate of 2.8%. The peak export value was recorded in 2018 at 439.9 million US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 1.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, China was the largest buyer of non-coniferous sawnwood from Germany in value terms, accounting for 16.3% of exports, followed by the United States at 9.5% and Poland at 8.9%. However, their combined contribution was limited to 34.7% of total export value, reflecting a highly diversified country structure.

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

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

Imports non coniferous sawnwood to Germany

Imports in kind, K m³

In 2020, Germany imported approximately 764.1 K m³ of non-coniferous sawnwood, corresponding to a controlled decline of 3.5% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 3.1%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -1.0%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 731.4 K m³, while the highest was in 2019 at 792.0 K m³. The largest annual decline occurred in 2018 at 7.2%, and the largest increase was in 2019 at 8.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Ukraine was the leading supplier of non-coniferous sawnwood to Germany in volume terms, accounting for 23.0% of imports, followed by Poland at 10.3% and Lithuania at 6.4%. Despite their notable roles, these three countries together represented only 39.8% of total import volume, indicating a non-dominant supply structure.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Germany imported non-coniferous sawnwood valued at 239.3 million US dollars, showing no significant change compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, import value decreased by 5.5%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -1.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 238.5 million US dollars, while the highest was in 2018 at 267.4 million US dollars. The largest annual decline occurred in 2019 at 10.8%, and the largest increase was in 2018 at 5.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the country structure of Germany's non-coniferous sawnwood imports in value terms remained highly diversified. The United States accounted for 15.8% of imports, Austria for 11.0%, and France for 7.8%. Together, these three countries represented only 34.6% of total import flows, with the remaining 65.4% coming from a long tail of smaller markets.

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

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