Wood in the rough market in Southern Europe

Earlier Report Observations

The market for wood in the rough in Southern Europe expanded from 47 943 тыс. т in 2018 to 49 701 тыс. т in 2019. This initial growth was supported by moderate increases in both domestic and international demand, particularly in Portugal, alongside rising production of key species like eucalyptus and pine.

Market volume fell to 46 082 тыс. т in 2020 as stricter environmental regulations on industrial emissions from wood processing constrained sawmill operations. The subsequent recovery to 48 286 тыс. т in 2021 was driven by a tripling of wood laminate production, indicating significant capacity expansion, and sustained high output from the pulp and paper sector. By 2022, the market reached 49 805 тыс. т, boosted by record demand and prices for coniferous wood linked to global supply disruptions following the war in Ukraine.

A modest decline to 48 563 тыс. т occurred in 2023, coinciding with reported moderation in timber harvesting volumes in Galicia and stability in average wood prices, though demand for coniferous wood remained elevated. Throughout the period, shifts in species preference, such as the rise of eucalyptus nitens over globulus in Galicia, reflected evolving forestry management practices.

Production wood in the rough in Southern Europe

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

Southern Europe's wood in the rough production saw growth for two years before declining. In 2019, production reached its peak at 49 143 K t, marking the largest annual increase of 4.1%. However, by 2020, production fell to 45 640 K t, representing a moderate 7.1% drop compared to the previous year.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Wood in the rough production in Southern Europe expanded for two consecutive years before experiencing a downturn. In 2019, output peaked at 7 454 M $ US, with the largest annual increase of 10.2%. By 2020, production declined to 7 098 M $ US, down 4.8% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 15.3%, averaging a 4.9% annual growth rate.

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

Exports wood in the rough from Southern Europe

Exports in kind, K t

Southern Europe's wood in the rough exports have been declining for three straight years. In 2020, exports totaled 2 611 K t, showing a limited 9.9% drop from the prior year. From 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 20.4%, which translates to an annualized decline of 7.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Austria, France, and China remained the top buyers of wood in the rough from Southern Europe. Austria accounted for 26.5% of exports in kind, France for 9.0%, and China for 4.7%. Together, these three countries represented 40.2% of total exports in kind.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Wood in the rough exports in Southern Europe declined for the second year in a row. In 2018, exports reached their highest point at 466.1 M $ US, with the largest annual increase of 5.6%. By 2020, exports fell to 406.1 M $ US, down 7.6% year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 8%, averaging a 2.7% annual decline.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Austria, France, and China played notable but not dominant roles as buyers of wood in the rough from Southern Europe in value terms. Austria contributed 27.3% of exports in value, France 8.2%, and China 8.1%. Their combined share reached 43.6% of total exports in value, indicating a diverse market with many other partners.

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

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

Imports wood in the rough to Southern Europe

Imports in kind, K t

Wood in the rough imports to Southern Europe declined for the second consecutive year. In 2018, imports peaked at 3 973 K t, with the largest annual increase of 13.2%. However, in 2019, imports saw the largest decline of 13.0%, and by 2020, they dropped to 3 053 K t, down 11.6% year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 13%, averaging a 4.5% annual decline.

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

During 2017-2020, France, Austria, and Switzerland were key suppliers of wood in the rough to Southern Europe. France accounted for 16.8% of imports in kind, Austria for 7.6%, and Switzerland for 4.1%. Their combined share was 28.5% of total imports in kind, with the remaining 71.5% spread across numerous other trading partners.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Imported wood in the rough volumes in Southern Europe fell for the second year in a row. In 2018, imports reached their maximum at 596.9 M $ US, with the largest annual increase of 5.0%. In 2019, imports experienced the largest decline of 3.8%, and by 2020, they totaled 552.1 M $ US, down 3.8% year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 2.8%, averaging a 1.0% annual decline.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the import landscape for wood in the rough in Southern Europe was broad in value terms. France accounted for 17.2% of imports in value, Austria for 9.4%, and the United States for 5.3%. Together, these three countries formed only 31.9% of total import flows, with a substantial 68.1% coming from many other countries.

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

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