In December 2025, the Romanian Forestry Association (ASFOR) submitted a consolidated position paper to the Government of Romania - led by Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan - addressing the key challenges faced by the forestry and wood-processing sectors and outlining strategic measures needed to stabilize and modernize the industry. The document emphasizes the urgency of protecting national competitiveness, ensuring balanced access to raw materials, and supporting the transition toward a sustainable, wood-based economy.
The position is highly relevant for the entire value chain—logging, transport, primary processing, furniture production, and export—during a year marked by regulatory pressure, price volatility, and shifting market dynamics across Europe.

According to sector analyses, Romania`s wood industry has faced several challenges in 2024–2025, including:

• reduced volumes of timber placed on the market by Romsilva, following additional conservation measures;
• increased operational costs (fuel, labor, transport, EUDR compliance);
• fluctuations in roundwood and sawn timber prices due to weak construction demand across the EU;
• growing pressure from the implementation of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), significantly affecting traceability, compliance, and export activities.

Key Elements of ASFOR`s Position to the Bolojan Government

1. Stabilizing the National Timber Market - ASFOR calls on the government to:

• increase the predictability of auctioned timber volumes, including through a fixed annual calendar;
• enhance transparency in operational costs and harvesting conditions to avoid market distortions;
• adjust valuation mechanisms for standing timber to reflect current economic realities and support competitiveness for Romanian operators.
A stable domestic market is essential for maintaining Romania`s regional competitiveness and export capacity.

2. Accelerated Digitalization of Traceability – Alignment with EUDR. Ahead of the mandatory EUDR implementation in 2025–2026, ASFOR requests:

• integration of SUMAL with EU-level EUDR compliance systems;
• simplified procedures for small and medium-sized operators;
• government investment in digital infrastructure to prevent administrative bottlenecks.
Expected impact: enhanced compliance, increased transparency, and stronger credibility for Romanian wood exports.

3. Supporting Processing Capacity and Export Growth - ASFOR highlights the need for:

• fiscal and investment measures to modernize production facilities;
• support for exporting higher value-added products (kiln-dried sawn timber, panels, CLT, furniture);
• public–private partnerships to expand access to non-EU markets, particularly the Middle East and the US.
Market data:
• Romania remains one of the EU`s leading exporters of solid wood components and furniture.
• European sawnwood markets showed significant price volatility in 2024–2025, with partial recovery in Q4 2025.

4. Workforce Shortage and the Need for Professional Training - ASFOR recommends:

• national training programs for forestry workers and technical operators;
• incentives to attract and retain skilled labor in rural areas;
• partnerships with vocational schools and forestry universities.

5. Legislative Clarifications for Logging and Transport - The association requests:

• urgent revision of legislative inconsistencies affecting logging companies;
• harmonization of rules for forest access, permits, and SUMAL procedures;
• clearer regulations for wood transport and legality controls.

Projected Impact on the Industry in 2026. If adopted, ASFOR`s proposals could lead to:

• higher volumes processed domestically,
• greater stability in roundwood prices,
• recovery of sawn timber export flows,
• lower administrative compliance costs,
• accelerated shift toward high-value wood products.
Market forecasts indicate:
• European demand for timber in construction is expected to rebound in 2026 (+3–5%);
• strong demand for Romanian wood products in Middle Eastern markets;
• domestic recovery supported by renewed residential and industrial construction activity.

Conclusion. ASFOR`s position submitted to the Bolojan Government in December 2025 is a strategic signal supporting modernization, transparency, and competitiveness across Romania`s forestry and wood-processing sectors. The association`s recommendations focus on predictability, digital transformation, export development, and workforce training—key elements for aligning the industry with European market trends and sustainability objectives.
For updated market analyses, wood price indexes, import–export trends, and industry-specific reports, visit www.WoodBusinessPortal.com, the leading professional platform dedicated to the global wood sector.

Sources:
1. environment.ec.europa.eu
2. euwid-wood-products.com
3. ec.europa.eu
4. asfor.ro