Roundwood coniferous market in Northern Europe

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the coniferous roundwood market in Northern Europe contracted gradually, with volume falling from 167.8 million m³ to 160.2 million m³. High initial production levels were underpinned by strong demand from the construction and furniture sectors, alongside increased state‑owned company participation in forest management. The entry of new private players in 2019 diversified the supply base, while the COVID‑19 pandemic in 2020 caused temporary supply‑chain disruptions and reinforced sanitary protocols, contributing to the market's decline.

A sharp rebound followed in 2021, driving market volume up to 169.4 million m³. This recovery was fueled by the launch of large, technologically advanced production facilities that raised efficiency, together with legislative changes that incentivized sustainable forest management and reforestation. The growth of innovative segments, such as treated wood and eco‑certified products, provided additional momentum.

The market then entered a downward phase from 2022 to 2023, declining to 159.9 million m³. In 2022, global fluctuations in raw‑material prices and logistical costs exerted pressure, while adjustments to European labeling requirements for origin and sustainability added regulatory complexity. By 2023, without major new drivers, market volume settled at a lower level.

Production coniferous roundwood in Northern Europe

In kind, 2017-2020, M m³

Top producers of coniferous roundwood, 2017-2020

World map of production of coniferous roundwood, 2017-2020

Roundwood coniferous production in Northern Europe has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 159.1 million cubic meters of roundwood coniferous, representing a 1.4% decrease compared to the previous year. The largest increase occurred in 2018, when production rose by 2.1% to reach its peak of 164.7 million cubic meters. The following year, in 2019, production saw its steepest decline of 2.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Northern Europe in kind, 2017-2020, M m³

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The value of roundwood coniferous production in Northern Europe has fallen for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 14,072 million US dollars, marking a 9.8% year-over-year decrease. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 16,567 million US dollars, when production experienced its largest increase of 19.6%.

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

Exports coniferous roundwood from Northern Europe

Exports in kind, K m³

Exports of roundwood coniferous from Northern Europe have decreased for the second year running. In 2020, the region exported 7,366 thousand cubic meters, which is 11.1% lower than the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports declined by 11.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.1%. The peak was in 2018, with 8,786 thousand cubic meters exported, following the largest increase of 5.2% that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, exports of roundwood coniferous from Northern Europe were distributed across numerous countries. Germany accounted for 12.3% of exports in kind, China for 4.3%, and Norway for 3.9%, with these three countries together making up only 20.4% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Cross-border shipments of roundwood coniferous from Northern Europe have declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, export value reached 651 million US dollars, reflecting a significant 18.7% drop from the year before. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 9.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.2%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 884 million US dollars, after the largest increase of 23.2% that year.

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

During 2017–2020, Germany, China, and Norway played notable but not dominant roles as buyers of roundwood coniferous from Northern Europe in value terms. Germany accounted for 10.4% of exports, China for 6.4%, and Norway for 3.8%, with their combined share reaching just 20.6% of total export value.

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

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

Imports coniferous roundwood to Northern Europe

Imports in kind, K m³

Imports of roundwood coniferous into Northern Europe have declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports totaled 8,481 thousand cubic meters, showing a 13.6% decrease year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 2.9%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 1.0%. The largest increase occurred in 2018, with a 44.7% rise to a peak of 11,921 thousand cubic meters. The following year, in 2019, imports saw their steepest decline of 17.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Norway, Russia, and Poland were the primary suppliers of roundwood coniferous to Northern Europe in kind. Norway accounted for 26.4% of imports, Russia for 7.3%, and Poland for 4.9%, together making up 38.6% of total import volumes.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Imports of roundwood coniferous into Northern Europe have fallen for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 715 million US dollars, indicating a 16.2% loss compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 18.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.8%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 1,004 million US dollars, following the largest increase of 66.1% that year.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, Norway, Russia, and Poland remained the key sources for imports of roundwood coniferous into Northern Europe in value terms. Norway accounted for 23.2% of imports, Russia for 7.5%, and Poland for 5.1%, with these three countries together accounting for 35.8% of total import flows.

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

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