Good demand for round sawn timber despite the gloomy economic situation.

In view of the renewed downward trend of some economic indicators and high economic policy uncertainties, a renewed weakening of the economy in Austria is quite possible. A rapid recovery in the construction industry therefore seems unlikely.

Round sawn timber
Despite the gloomy economic outlook, demand for spruce sawlogs is good. The mills are ready to take delivery. Scheduled assortments as well as small quantities of damaged timber are being quickly removed. Prices are mostly stable and have even increased slightly in some regions. The sale of pine is currently very difficult. Before harvesting, it must be ensured that the wood is removed and accepted quickly in order to prevent loss of quality due to blue stain. Demand for larch continues to exceed supply and prices are stable at a high level.

Industrial wood
The paper, pulp and board industry sites are usually well stocked with industrial roundwood. While there are hardly any sales opportunities for sanding wood, supply and demand for pulpwood are in balance. Removal and acceptance usually take place promptly. Only in the eastern damaged areas are there slight delays. Prices are stable. A differentiated view must be taken of copper beech pulpwood. While there is a slight upturn in demand in the south of Austria, there is a limited supply in the north. Prices are stable.

Energy wood
The situation on the energy wood market remains tense. Customers' warehouses are full. Demand is declining sharply or non-existent due to the weather. Additional quantities outside of long-term contracts cannot be sold. Sales of high-quality firewood have also come to a standstill. A recovery is not foreseeable in the near future.
The pronounced precipitation deficit in most parts of Austria is further weakening the stands and making them susceptible to bark beetle infestation. The newly developed bark beetle dashboard at www.borkenkaefer.at enables even better risk assessment. The application is explained in the following video: https://youtu.be/2s8fzB2vtaM

All prices quoted refer to business transactions in the period April - beginning of May 2025 and are net prices to which VAT is to be added. The following tax rates apply to timber sales to entrepreneurs: 13% for all assortments in the case of flat-rate VAT, 13% for energy wood/firewood and 20% for round timber in the case of standard taxation. Subject to deviations and changes.

Source: lko.at