Participants of the four-country meeting were optimistic about the second half of 2018 as well as the upcoming year They identified global insecurities as well as climate change as risk factors for the wood industry. Especially in Austria and Germany, volumes and prices of softwood sales markets show positive developments. Switzerland is adversely affected by the strong franc.
Roundwood supply is secure in all four countries, but windthrow volumes have been underestimated. Prices for beetle-infested roundwood are currently declining significantly. The softwood surplus supply in middle and los qualities could cause further sinking of prices. For good green wood qualities, prices are expected to be stable in the upcoming months.
Business with hardwood lumber is hardly dynamic: In general, demand for hardwood in Europe is sinking, the only being exception being oakwood. Slightly increasing prices are expected for beech and ash wood.
