Wood in the rough market in France

Earlier Report Observations

The market for wood in the rough in France showed mixed dynamics from 2018 to 2020. In 2018, a slight decrease in roundwood volume was noted, but the sector saw growing valuation of forest resources and increased exports of logs and rough timber. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 significantly impacted the timber supply chain, contributing to a reduction in market volume to 28.7 million tons and causing high price volatility for softwoods.

Market volume rebounded to 32.0 million tons in 2021, supported by favorable climatic conditions that reduced pest damage and by sustained demand from specialty segments like cooperage. The following year, new regulations imposing stricter quality requirements for wood fuel—mandating dry, calibrated, and debarked wood—came into effect, while the energy crisis and decarbonization drives intensified demand for heating wood. Despite higher timber prices, market volume dipped to 30.0 million tons in 2022 as production eased.

In 2023, the market volume further contracted to 29.1 million tons, with prices stabilizing at historically high levels amid global geopolitical tensions and inflation. Consumption trends increasingly favored eco-friendly and sustainable solutions, aligned with the RE 2020 building regulation that promotes wood construction and bio‑based materials.

Production wood in the rough in France

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, France ranked 17th globally in the production of wood in the rough.

Top producers of wood in the rough, 2017-2020

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

France's production of wood in the rough declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 30 779 K t, marking a 4.7% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 5.8%, which translates to an average annual decline of 2.0%.

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

Exports wood in the rough from France

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, France exported 2 704 K t of wood in the rough, a 5.2% drop from the year before. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 9.5%, averaging a 3.3% annual decline. The lowest export volume was in 2018 at 2 399 K t. The sharpest decline occurred in 2018 with a 19.7% decrease, while the largest increase was in 2019 with an 18.8% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Belgium, Italy, and China were the top destinations for France's wood in the rough exports, accounting for 37.1%, 15.7%, and 12.6% of exports in kind, respectively. Together, they made up 65.4% of total export flows.

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

France's wood in the rough exports in value terms declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 327.1 M $ US, down 4.0% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 4.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of -1.5%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 383.6 M $ US. The largest decline was in 2019 with an 11.2% drop, while the biggest increase was in 2018 with a 12.2% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Belgium, China, and Italy were the main buyers of wood in the rough from France in value terms, representing 25.0%, 20.4%, and 14.9% of exports, respectively. Combined, they accounted for 60.2% of total export value.

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

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

Imports wood in the rough to France

Imports in kind, K t

Import volumes showed significant volatility during these years. The highest level was in 2018 at 1 646 K t, while the lowest was in 2020 at 636 K t, representing a 2.6-fold difference. In 2020, imports totaled 636 K t, a sharp 23.0% decline from the previous year. The largest decrease occurred in 2019 with a 49.8% drop, and the biggest increase was in 2018 with a 101.5% surge.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain, Germany, and Belgium were the key sources for France's wood in the rough imports, making up 30.5%, 22.1%, and 14.1% of imports in kind, respectively. Together, they represented 66.7% of total import 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 wood in the rough imports in value terms fell for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports stood at 104.5 M $ US, a 23.0% contraction compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 24.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of -8.8%. The peak value was in 2018 at 147.8 M $ US, and the largest increase was in 2018 with a 7.4% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Spain, and Finland were the leading suppliers of wood in the rough to France in value terms, accounting for 24.3%, 13.5%, and 11.7% of imports, respectively. However, their combined share was only 49.5% of total import value, indicating a diversified supplier structure.

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

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