Editor WoodBusinessPortal.com team - research, 2025 - August, 26
The European Union`s industrial wood sector started 2025 on a cautiously optimistic note, as economic recovery, green construction initiatives, and rising demand for renewable materials drive market activity. For companies looking to navigate this dynamic landscape, platforms like www.WoodBusinessPortal.com offer vital support in sourcing products, identifying partners, and staying informed.
Key Production Figures and Market Performance. According to preliminary data from the European Forest Institute (EFI) and Eurostat, industrial wood production in the EU reached approximately 26.8 million cubic meters in Q1 2025, reflecting a 2.2% increase compared to the same period in 2024.
Softwood accounted for about 65% of total production, driven mainly by construction and packaging industries. Hardwood production remained stable, supported by high-end furniture and flooring markets.
The largest producing countries in Q1 2025 were:
- Germany: 6.2 million m3
- Sweden: 5.1 million m3
- Finland: 4.7 million m3
- Poland: 3.5 million m3.
These markets together represented more than 70% of the total EU output.
Prices and Market Trends. Industrial wood prices continued to stabilize after the volatility of the past two years. Based on EUWID Wood Products and Panels:
- Softwood roundwood average price: EUR 90 – EUR 105/m3
- Hardwood roundwood average price: EUR 120 – EUR 145/m3.
Factors influencing price stability include:
- Steady demand from the construction sector.
- Reduced supply bottlenecks in transportation and logistics.
- Increased emphasis on certified sustainable wood products.
Imports and Exports Dynamics. EU wood imports rose by 3.8% in Q1 2025, with notable increases from:
- Ukraine (due to improved trade routes)
- Canada and USA (focused on softwood lumber).
Wood exports from the EU also climbed, especially towards:
- China (high demand for European hardwoods)
- North Africa (construction-grade softwood).
Several key trends are shaping the European industrial wood market:
- Sustainable building practices are fueling demand for FSC® and PEFC™ certified wood.
- Digital marketplaces are becoming primary sourcing hubs, with businesses increasingly preferring platforms like www.WoodBusinessPortal.com for verified trade opportunities.
- Technological innovation: Automation in sawmills and smart forest management are boosting production efficiency.
- Geopolitical adjustments: Diversification of supply chains away from politically sensitive areas, focusing on intra-EU sources.
Forecast for 2025. Analysts predict a 2%–3% year-on-year growth in industrial wood production by the end of 2025, underpinned by strong demand for environmentally sustainable construction materials and government incentives across the EU for renewable industries.
In a fast-moving wood and forest products industry, access to real-time offers, trustworthy partners, and updated market information is essential. WoodBusinessPortal.com provides:
- Verified listings of industrial wood products.
- Global wood market news and trend analysis.
- Powerful sourcing and exporting tools tailored for wood professionals.
Join WoodBusinessPortal.com to unlock new business opportunities and stay ahead in the global wood industry.
Sources:
1. fao.org
2. euwid-wood-products.com
3. ec.europa.eu
4. efi.int