Wood in the rough market in Norway

Earlier Report Observations

The Norwegian wood in the rough market saw its volume fluctuate between 5.2 million tonnes in 2018 and 5.5 million tonnes in 2023. After a slight contraction to 5.1 million tonnes in 2019, the market dropped sharply to 4.6 million tonnes in 2020 as wood prices rose significantly due to increased production costs and demand. A rebound to 5.2 million tonnes occurred in 2021, driven by the entry into force of revised building technical regulations (TEK17), which raised demand for wood in construction, and a policy focus on sustainable forest management as part of the green transition.

Market volume fell again to 5.0 million tonnes in 2022, partly because a surge in timber exports to 4.3 million tonnes reduced domestic supply. Further amendments to TEK17 that year, coupled with record-high wood prices fueled by rising production costs and market hoarding, also influenced domestic consumption. The market recovered to 5.5 million tonnes in 2023, supported by the introduction of updated standards for assessing reused timber, facilitating its safe reuse in new structures, and additional TEK17 updates that continued to shape demand.

The market's development was further marked by a growing focus on material quality and durability, such as the promotion of pine heartwood for exterior cladding due to its superior decay resistance. The advancement of environmentally friendly wood impregnation methods and the 2025 publication of a new standard for evaluating reused timber, alongside ongoing updates to building regulations, reinforced the industry's shift towards sustainable resource use and circular practices.

Production wood in the rough in Norway

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Top producers of wood in the rough, 2018-2021

World map of production of wood in the rough, 2018-2021

In 2021, Norway produced 8 552 K t of wood in the rough, representing a 12.0% increase from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 5.3%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 1.7%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2020 at 7 637 K t, which also saw the largest decline of 6.5% during this timeframe.

Annual dynamics of production in Norway in kind, 2018-2021, K t

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Following two consecutive years of decline, Norway's wood in the rough production rebounded in value terms. In 2021, the output was valued at 652.1 M $ US, marking a significant 33.2% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, production value rose by 9%, corresponding to an average annual growth rate of 2.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 489.5 M $ US, which experienced the steepest decline of 17.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Norway in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Exports wood in the rough from Norway

Exports in kind, K t

In 2021, Norway exported 3 628 K t of wood in the rough, showing an 8.9% year-over-year increase. From 2018 to 2021, exports grew by 12.1%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.9%. The largest decline occurred in 2020, when exports fell by 1.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Norway in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Between 2018 and 2021, Sweden was the dominant market for Norway's wood in the rough exports in volume terms, accounting for 78.3% of total flows. The remaining share was distributed among other countries.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Norway in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2021, Norway's wood in the rough exports reached 276.6 M $ US, reflecting a sharp 29.6% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, export value rose by 16%, equating to an average annual growth rate of 5.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 213.5 M $ US, which saw the largest decline of 12.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Norway in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Throughout 2018-2021, Sweden remained the primary destination for Norway's wood in the rough exports in value terms, capturing 71.9% of total flows. The remaining share was spread across various smaller markets.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Norway in value, 2018-2021

Imports wood in the rough to Norway

Imports in kind, K t

In 2021, Norway imported 297 K t of wood in the rough, representing a 5.9% year-over-year increase. However, over the 2018-2021 period, imports decreased by 8.4%, corresponding to an average annual decline of 2.9%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2020 at 280 K t, while the highest was in 2019 at 336 K t. The largest decline occurred in 2020, with imports falling by 16.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Norway in kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, Sweden clearly dominated as the main supplier of wood in the rough to Norway, accounting for 92.4% of total imports in volume terms.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Norway in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, M $ US

After two years of contraction, Norway's wood in the rough imports increased in value terms. In 2021, import volume was recorded at 30.7 M $ US, marking a 17.9% rise year-over-year. However, over the 2018-2021 period, import value decreased by 19.9%, with a compound annual decline rate (CAGR) of 7.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 26.1 M $ US, which experienced the steepest decline of 20.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Norway in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, Sweden was the dominant source for Norway's wood in the rough imports in value terms, accounting for 84.2% of total flows. The remaining share was distributed among a number of smaller markets.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Norway in value, 2018-2021