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© DI (FH) Martina Nöstler

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Peak exports year for German lumber

Article by Gerd Ebner, translated by Susanne Höfler | 22.02.2017 - 10:12

More than 200,000 m³ each going to India, China and the US

13261255170185.jpg

© DI (FH) Martina Nöstler

2016 was an excellent year for exports in the German sawmill industry. Almost 7 million m³ were sold abroad. This is 12% more than in 2015. Exports going to Austria totaled just under 950,000 m³ (+6%).

Especially striking are the exports increases to India, China and the United States with a volume of more than 200,000 m³ each. Deliveries to China even grew by 60% and a staggering +150% to the US. India's purchases gained 5%.

Another export growth was observed for the Netherlands buying a total of 790,000 m³ (+12%),  Belgium bought 600,000 m³ equaling +22%.

With 740,000 m³ and 445,000 m³ respectively, France and Italy showed constant purchase volumes.
German softwood lumber exports December 2016
German softwood lumber exports including planed goods (1,000 m³)
Country01–12/201501–12/2016Change in %
Austria8939456
Netherlands69978612
France7277371.0
Belgium49259822
Italy4314453
Great Britain3684009
Czech Republic2502656
India2142255
China13220858
USA82204147
Poland205203–1
Other1,7301,97514
Total6,2246,99212

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