As late as 2019, China imported almost 100 million m³ rwe (roundwood equivalents) of softwood logs and lumber to meet the growing demand for forest products in the domestic market.

The two largest log-trading regions in Europe are Central Europe (where Austria, Czech Republic, and Germany are the major importers) and Northern Europe (Finland and Sweden are the two log-importing countries).

Increased interest rates, higher inflation, and market uncertainty regarding a possible recession in 2023 resulted in reduced housing starts and decreased renovations in the second half of 2022.

Wood chip and pulplog prices rose substantially in most countries over the past year in the local currencies.

The expansion of the pulp industry in Brazil has a remarkable history.

Demand for lumber was down worldwide in the 4Q/22, relaxing prices for sawlogs down from record highs.

Finnish pulpmills and sawmills have long been dependent on imported wood raw-material to meet their wood fiber needs.

Wood raw-material costs for sawmills in North America and Europe eased in the 3Q/22 as demand and prices for lumber fell.

Prices for pulplogs and wood chips have gone up in practically all markets worldwide in the 3Q/22.

Wood raw-material costs for sawmills in North America and Europe eased in the 3Q/22 as demand and prices for lumber fell.

Wood fiber prices continued their two-year upward trend in the 2Q/22, with hardwood increasing faster than softwood.

Prices for pulplogs and wood chips increased q-o-q in early 2022 in all 19 regions worldwide as tracked by the Wood Resource Quarterly (WRQ).

A halt in Russian log exports and reduced wood demand in China contributed to a 20% decline in international softwood log trade in the 1H/22.

The world's thirst for renewable energy continues, and demand for wood pellets—mostly made from sawmill byproducts—is increasing. As a result, the total global wood pellet trade in 2021 was up 9% YoY to 29 million tons, 50% higher than in 2017.

One immediate impact of the war in Ukraine and the sanctions by Western countries has been a dramatic reduction in exports of forest products from Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine.

Lumber trade flows changed almost instantly when Russia invaded Ukraine in late February. Trade sanctions and restrictions in financial transactions by Europe, North America, and major markets in Asia halted shipments from Russia and Belarus.

Trade of logs and lumber in Europe will change dramatically in the coming years as timber harvests in Central Europe decline and the sanctions against Russia result in a plunge in forest products imports

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is likely to impact global trade in the coming months. Increased sanctions against trading with Russia and difficulty with financial transactions will probably interrupt and re-direct shipments of forest products throughout the world.

Wood fiber costs for pulp manufacturers have gone up in practically all countries covered by the WRQ over the past year. In the 3Q/21, the Softwood Fiber Price Index (SFPI) was at its highest level since 2014, 8.1% higher than the 3Q/20.

The large softwood timber surplus in the US South is likely to diminish over the next decade, resulting in regional increases in sawlog prices, while prices for pulpwood will remain unchanged

STOCKHOLM, Dec. 13, 2021 -- The forest industry in the US South has attracted increased interest and investment over the past few years.