The weather has led to less damaged timber. The supply of needle saw logs is therefore still low at present, which is leading to rising prices amid brisk demand. This is according to the latest LK market report.

Austria's economy is expected to grow slightly by 0.3 percent in 2025, largely driven by private consumption. The construction industry is stabilizing and companies are becoming more optimistic. At the same time, Austria has so far been spared from windthrow and bark beetle infestation is declining sharply due to weather conditions. The supply of coniferous sawlogs is therefore still rather low at present. Demand, on the other hand, is extremely brisk and the sites are operating at full capacity.

Due to low stock levels, sawn timber production has had to be scaled back slightly in some areas of southern Austria. Prices have continued to rise and start at €115 per FMO for the leading spruce, A/B, 2b range. White pine follows spruce in terms of demand and has also seen a regional price increase. Pine (A, B, C, 2a+) is selling for 70 euros per FMO and above. Larch continues to be in high demand at an unchanged high level (A, B, C, 3a+ from 120 euros per FMO).



Restrained demand for industrial wood
The positive development in softwood sawlogs is offset by restrained demand for industrial roundwood. The paper and board industry locations are very well stocked. Supply and demand are mostly in balance. In Lower Austria, forest stocks are beginning to build up slightly, but for the most part, transport and takeover are still proceeding according to plan. Prices for pulpwood and fiberwood have remained low for some time. The situation for panel wood varies. While prices in Lower Austria have been adjusted downwards, an increase in prices has been observed in Salzburg. Demand for red beech fiberwood remains subdued, with prices unchanged.

Energy wood: Hopes for the heating season
The situation for energy wood remains tense. Heating plants are very well stocked, and additional quantities outside of long-term contracts are difficult to market, especially lower-quality quantities. However, the start of the heating season offers hope for relief. The first signs of this can be seen in Carinthia, where the oversupply of energy roundwood appears to be gradually decreasing.

All prices quoted refer to transactions in the period from September to early October 2025 and are net prices. In the timber business, it is always important to check whether the delivery note, list of dimensions, and invoice or credit note correspond to the quantities and qualities actually delivered. Any discrepancies should be reported immediately.

Source: LK Österreich