The report reflects the situation as at 13 September. The effects of the squalls on 14/15 September could not be estimated by the editorial deadline.

Austria's industrial and construction sectors remain in recession. In the meantime, private consumption has also deteriorated and remains at a low level despite last year's wage increases and declining inflation. Current economic indicators do not point to any improvement in the near future.

Needle saw logs
The Austrian sawmill industry is generally receptive to spruce sawlogs. Demand and supply are currently in balance, partly because forest owners are focussing on processing calamities. There has been a regional upturn in demand, but this is not yet reflected in prices. Prices are stable and range between 87 - 105 euros for the leading spruce A/C 2b+ assortment throughout Austria. Demand for larch is very brisk and continues to exceed supply, with prices remaining mostly stable. Demand for pine is very uneven. While there is no demand in the south, marketing is possible in the north in consultation with customers.

In the west, there was even a price increase.
In Upper Austria, a softwood submission will take place at the beginning of December. Potential assortments need to be clarified in advance with the regional forestry agent.

Industrial timber
The paper, pulp and board industry sites are currently well stocked with coniferous industrial timber. Demand is normal and is currently mostly in line with supply. Removal and acceptance are taking place continuously. The price range for spruce fibrewood varies widely, but is stable at between EUR 63 - 98 per tonne atro. Demand for copper beech fibrewood is unchanged and ranges between EUR 80 - 100 per tonne atro throughout Austria.

Energy wood
Demand on the energy wood market is very low due to persistently high stock levels. Additional quantities outside of contracts are difficult to sell. The demand for high-quality firewood is also currently declining. It remains to be seen what effect the current cool weather will have.

Timber is generally being transported quickly, but the extreme flooding in mid-September may have made forest roads temporarily unusable in parts of Austria. Regardless of the market situation, it is recommended to discuss planned utilisation with potential customers before the harvest and to specify quantities, delivery periods and prices in the final letter. All information on timber sales can be found at www.holz-fair-kaufen.at.

All prices quoted refer to business transactions in the period August - beginning of September 2024 and are net prices to which VAT is to be added. The following tax rates apply to timber sales to entrepreneurs: 13% for all product ranges in the case of flat-rate VAT, 13% for energy wood/firewood and 20% for round timber in the case of standard taxation.


Source: lko.at