Wood in the rough market in Belgium

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the Belgian wood in the rough market was constrained by an ongoing bark beetle crisis, which pressured available volumes and prices. This led to a decline in market size both in quantity and value, with a sharp drop in 2019. By 2020, prices for beetle-damaged wood stabilized, indicating market adjustment.

A recovery began in 2021, fueled by soaring demand for sawn softwood from German mills, which drove up prices and increased imports. Anticipation of the European Union's Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) also prompted market activity, supporting growth through 2022.

In 2023, the market contracted as weakness in the construction sector reduced demand for building wood. The announced closure of the Sappi Lanaken pulp mill and upcoming stricter rules for wood stoves in Brussels added uncertainty. By 2024, the impending implementation of the EUDR and falling firewood prices reflected shifts in import dynamics and domestic consumption.

Production wood in the rough in Belgium

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of wood in the rough, 2017-2020

World map of production of wood in the rough, 2017-2020

Belgium's production of wood in the rough remained virtually unchanged in 2020, with 3 388 thousand tons produced, similar to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 3.7%, representing a compound annual growth rate of -1.2%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 3 388 thousand tons, which also saw the largest decline of 3.7%. In contrast, 2019 showed no change with a 0.0% increase.

Annual dynamics of production in Belgium in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Belgium's wood in the rough production value declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 524.7 million US dollars, marking a 3.1% drop compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production value decreased by 28.6%, equating to an annualized rate of -10.6%.

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

Exports wood in the rough from Belgium

Exports in kind, K t

Wood in the rough exports from Belgium increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Belgium exported 1 727 thousand tons, which is 16.4% higher than the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 96.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 25.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Belgium in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, the main destinations for Belgium's wood in the rough exports in kind were China, accounting for 50.1% of exports, Germany with 14.2%, and France at 8.4%. Together, these three countries represented 72.7% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Wood in the rough exports from Belgium increased in value for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 267.5 million US dollars, reflecting a robust rise of 12.8% compared to the prior year. Between 2017 and 2020, export value grew by 45.9%, equating to an annualized rate of 13.4%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, the three largest markets for Belgium's wood in the rough exports in value terms were China, France, and the Netherlands, together accounting for 70.7% of total flows.

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

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

Imports wood in the rough to Belgium

Imports in kind, K t

The import market for wood in the rough in Belgium showed an unstable trend during this period. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2017, while the highest was in 2018, with a two-fold difference between these years. In 2020, imports totaled 3 802 thousand tons, representing a 4.9% increase compared to 2019. The maximum volume was 3 881 thousand tons in 2018, which also saw the largest increase of 96.1%. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 6.6% drop.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Belgium in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, the main suppliers of wood in the rough to Belgium in kind were France, accounting for 48.7% of imports, Germany with 19.6%, and the Netherlands at 17.1%. Together, these three countries made up 85.3% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, wood in the rough imports to Belgium amounted to 221.1 million US dollars, representing a 3.1% increase compared to 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 214.4 million US dollars, while the maximum was in 2018 at 271.1 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 20.9% drop, and the largest increase was in 2018 with a 22.7% rise.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, the three largest markets for Belgium's wood in the rough imports in value terms were France, Germany, and the Netherlands, together accounting for 79.1% of total flows.

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

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