Non coniferous sawnwood market in Western Europe

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2019, the West European non-coniferous sawnwood market saw moderate growth, reaching 3 555 thousand m³ in 2019. This was supported by rising demand for wood in sustainable packaging applications and an expanding share of FSC- and PEFC-certified timber due to tighter European sustainability requirements. However, in 2020, market volume fell to 3 121 thousand m³, reflecting a broader downturn in economic activity.

A recovery followed in 2021, with the market rising to 3 411 thousand m³, driven by continued growth in hardwood consumption for packaging and paper production. Subsequent years brought renewed contraction, with volume declining to 2 854 thousand m³ in 2023. This drop coincided with the introduction of stricter EU traceability and labeling rules for imported hardwood, which complicated import procedures, as well as persistent logistical bottlenecks and higher transport costs linked to geopolitical tensions.

Throughout the period, EU policy initiatives promoting the circular economy and bio-based materials played a visible role. These included revised trade quotas that facilitated hardwood imports from neighboring European countries and sustained incentives for certified wood, leading to a rising share of sustainably sourced timber in consumption. The industry simultaneously adapted to evolving legality and sustainability demands under FLEGT regulations.

Production non coniferous sawnwood in Western Europe

In kind, 2017-2020, K m³

Top producers of non coniferous sawnwood, 2017-2020

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

In 2020, Western Europe produced 2 553 K m³ of non-coniferous sawnwood, representing a 15.6% decrease from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 17.8%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -6.3%. The only year that saw an increase was 2019, with a modest rise of 0.2%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Non-coniferous sawnwood production in Western Europe declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 1 694 M $ US, down by 10.0% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production decreased by 16.8%, which translates to an annualized rate of -5.9%.

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

Exports non coniferous sawnwood from Western Europe

Exports in kind, K m³

Non-coniferous sawnwood exports from Western Europe declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the region exported 1 519 K m³, marking a 6.9% decrease from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 5.2%, with a CAGR of -1.7%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 1 718 K m³, which also saw the largest increase of 7.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, non-coniferous sawnwood exports from Western Europe were widely distributed across partner countries. The top three destinations—China (12.4% of exports), Poland (8.9%), and the United Kingdom (4.8%)—together accounted for only 26.1% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Non-coniferous sawnwood exports from Western Europe declined for the second consecutive year in value terms. In 2020, exports amounted to 1 008 M $ US, down by 0.7% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 4%, equating to an annualized rate of -1.3%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 1 101 M $ US, which also saw the largest increase of 4.9%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the largest decline of 7.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the largest buyers of non-coniferous sawnwood from Western Europe in value terms were China (9.1% of exports), the United Kingdom (6.8%), and Switzerland (4.7%). Together, these three countries accounted for 20.7% of total export value, reflecting a diverse market with many smaller partners.

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

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

Imports non coniferous sawnwood to Western Europe

Imports in kind, K m³

Non-coniferous sawnwood imports into Western Europe increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the region imported 2 090 K m³, up by 1.6% from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 3.5%, with an annualized rate of 1.2%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 1 995 K m³, which also saw the largest decline of 1.2%. In 2019, imports rebounded with the largest increase of 3.1%.

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

Data from 2017 to 2020 show that non-coniferous sawnwood imports into Western Europe were not concentrated among a few key suppliers. The top three sources—Ukraine (7.0% of imports), Cameroon (6.1%), and Poland (3.9%)—together represented only 16.9% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Non-coniferous sawnwood imports into Western Europe declined in value for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 1 221 M $ US, down by 2.6% from the previous year. However, over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 5.9%, with an annualized rate of 1.9%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 1 302 M $ US, which also saw the largest increase of 12.9%. In 2019, imports experienced the largest decline of 3.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, non-coniferous sawnwood imports into Western Europe in value terms were not heavily concentrated. The top three suppliers—Cameroon (9.5% of imports), Malaysia (8.6%), and Brazil (5.8%)—together captured only 23.9% of total import flows.

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

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