Strong demand for needle saw logs remains high.
The Austrian economy is showing very little momentum. Economic growth of around one percent is expected for 2026, provided that exports pick up and private consumption increases.

Softwood sawlogs

Demand for softwood sawlogs remains strong, given the current supply situation, which is still rather low. Prices have continued to rise, and even poorer qualities can be marketed at relatively good prices. The hunger for wood also means that individual sawmills are accepting a smaller minimum butt diameter than usual for small logs. Harvesting and freight capacities are sufficient, and the assortments provided are being transported away quickly. However, the wet ground is causing challenges in some areas when it comes to harvesting, skidding, and transport. Due to low roundwood stocks, some mills will have longer maintenance shutdowns over the holidays, although in most cases they will remain open for deliveries. In the wake of spruce, pine is also seeing further demand and a significant price increase compared to last year. Larch remains in high demand, with prices mostly unchanged.

The dynamic demand is also reflected in the results of the Upper Austrian softwood timber auction. The average price for fir was €283, 21% higher than in the previous year and also higher than for spruce (€262). The highest bid at the auction was for larch, with a price per cubic meter of €838.

On the hardwood roundwood market, demand for oak and ash remains strong. In order to achieve optimal revenue, customer-oriented shaping is essential. Therefore, this should be discussed and agreed upon in advance. Forest assistants and forestry consultants are happy to provide support.

Industrial wood

The locations of the paper, board, and pulp industries are well supplied with coniferous industrial roundwood. Demand and supply are mostly balanced throughout Austria, with increasing demand reported in Styria, which is not reflected in prices, however. Sales of various paper assortments are well below average. Demand for hardwood fiber wood is subdued, with prices mostly stable.

Energy wood

The energy wood market is slowly gaining momentum in some regions. Demand for high-quality wood chips and energy wood has increased. Low-quality energy wood remains difficult to market. High-quality firewood is maintaining its price level.

All prices quoted refer to business transactions in the period from November to early December 2025 and are net prices to which sales tax must be added. The following tax rates apply to the sale of wood to businesses: for flat-rate sales tax for all product ranges, 13%; for standard taxation, 13% applies to energy wood/firewood and 20% to round timber. Subject to deviations and changes.
 
Source: LK Austria