European Union imports of wood pellets declined by 9% in June 2026, while the average price of imported pellets increased by 6%, according to market data reported by Lesprom Network. The figures highlight a mixed situation in the European wood pellet and biomass market: lower import volumes are being accompanied by firmer prices as buyers, producers and traders prepare for the next heating season.

🌲 The June development comes at an important time for the European wood energy market. Wood pellets remain a significant renewable heating fuel across several EU countries and are used in residential heating, district heating systems and industrial applications.

For pellet producers, biomass traders, sawmills and other companies operating in the wood industry, the combination of lower import volumes and higher prices is an indicator worth monitoring closely during the second half of 2026.

EU wood pellet imports down 9% in June

According to Lesprom Network, EU imports of wood pellets declined by 9% in June 2026. At the same time, the average import price increased by approximately 6%.

The divergence between volume and price suggests that lower physical imports do not necessarily indicate weaker pricing conditions. Supply availability, inventories, freight costs, seasonal purchasing and the geographical composition of imports can all influence the average price paid by European buyers.

🪵 For companies sourcing wood pellets internationally, the development reinforces the need to monitor both pellet import volumes and wood pellet prices rather than using volume alone as an indicator of market direction.

EU pellet demand expected to recover in 2026

The June decline should also be considered against the broader outlook for the European pellet market.

According to the latest USDA Foreign Agricultural Service outlook, EU wood pellet consumption is forecast to increase by approximately 500,000 tonnes in 2026, supported mainly by stronger residential use.

EU wood pellet imports are also expected to recover during the year, reaching approximately 4.8 million metric tonnes, according to the USDA forecast.

This means that a weaker individual month does not necessarily indicate a decline in the underlying annual market. Seasonal purchasing patterns, inventories accumulated by utilities and distributors, weather conditions and residential heating demand can generate considerable monthly fluctuations.

Wood pellet prices remain a key indicator

The reported 6% increase in average June import prices is particularly relevant for buyers preparing contracts for the coming heating season.

Wood pellet prices can be influenced by several factors, including:

• sawdust and wood residue availability;
• sawmill production levels;
• electricity and drying costs;
• freight and port costs;
• seasonal residential heating demand;
• industrial and district heating consumption;
• international pellet supply and trade flows.

Changes in the wider timber and wood products market are also relevant because sawmill residues represent an important feedstock for pellet production.

Europe remains dependent on international wood pellet trade

🌳 The European Union has substantial domestic pellet production capacity, particularly in countries with developed forestry and sawmilling sectors. However, domestic supply alone does not always cover demand in the largest consuming markets.

International imports therefore remain an important component of the European wood pellet supply chain.

The structure of EU pellet imports has changed considerably in recent years. Following the restrictions on Russian and Belarusian wood products, European buyers increasingly relied on alternative suppliers, including producers from the United States, Canada and other international markets.

For importers and distributors, supplier diversification has consequently become an important element of procurement strategy.

Wood pellet market follows broader EU wood trends

The pellet sector should not be analysed separately from developments across the broader European wood industry.

WoodBusinessPortal.com market analysis has highlighted changes in European wood prices, timber imports, exports and pellet markets, with energy demand, construction activity and availability of raw material continuing to shape market conditions.

Read more about European wood market trends, timber prices, wood pellet prices, imports and exports on WoodBusinessPortal.com.

Opportunities for pellet producers and buyers

A decline in imports combined with higher average prices can create different implications across the wood pellet supply chain.

European pellet producers could benefit if buyers increasingly seek regional supply and shorter transport routes.

Importers and distributors may need to diversify suppliers and compare offers from different producing countries to manage price and availability risks.

Sawmills and wood processors may see continued demand for sawdust and other residues used as pellet feedstock, particularly if European production increases.

International pellet exporters should monitor changes in EU inventories and winter purchasing because a recovery in European demand could create additional export opportunities.

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Outlook for the second half of 2026

The key question for the European pellet market will be whether the June decline represents a temporary adjustment in purchasing or develops into a broader trend during the second half of the year.

Several indicators should therefore be monitored closely:

• monthly EU wood pellet import volumes;
• average pellet import prices;
• residential heating demand;
• pellet inventories before winter;
• European pellet production;
• exports from major international suppliers;
• sawdust and wood residue prices.

With USDA forecasting stronger EU pellet consumption in 2026, purchasing activity during the months preceding winter could become particularly important for both European buyers and international exporters.

Monitor wood imports, exports and prices

For companies operating in the international wood industry, pellet market developments are part of a wider picture involving wood prices, timber production, biomass, imports, exports and raw material availability.

Professionals can follow international commercial opportunities through the WoodBusinessPortal.com wood products Buy & Sell marketplace, covering timber, pellets, firewood, panels, sawn wood and other wood products.

Sources

Lesprom Network – EU wood pellet imports declined by 9% in June 2026 and the average import price increased by 6%.

USDA Foreign Agricultural Service – European Union Wood Pellets Annual 2026; forecast for EU pellet consumption, production and imports.

Biomass Magazine – analysis of the USDA forecast indicating increased residential pellet demand and a recovery in EU wood pellet imports in 2026.

Follow the international wood pellet market with WoodBusinessPortal.com

🌲 Wood pellet prices, imports and exports can change rapidly as seasonal demand and international supply conditions evolve.

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