German softwood lumber exports soared 13%

Article by Martina Nöstler, translated by Robert Spannlang | 22.09.2014 - 09:41

In first seven months, particularly shipments to Egypt skyrocketed

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In the first seven months, a significant increase in softwood lumber exports (including planed timber) was recorded for Germany: 4,071,000 m³ represent an increase of about 13%, reports Destatis. With 545,000 m³, the Austrian purchases from the German neighbour stayed exactly on last year's level, so did import volumes to France with 481,000 m³ (+1%). All other top destinations increased their imports compared to the prior year, such as the Netherlands (432,000 m³; +24%) and the UK (225,000 m³; +39%).

Egypt, however, stands out: Deliveries to the North African country grew from 18,000 to 154,000 m³ which represents a massive surge of 771%. Two other countries reached import growth rates beyond the 50%-mark: the Czech Republic (147,000 m³; +53%) and Algeria (133,000 m³; +57%).

German exports of softwood lumber – Jan-July 2014
incl. planed timber (1,000 m³)
Country	1–7 2013	1–7 2014	Change in %
Austria	545	545	–
France	476	481	1.1
Netherlands	350	432	23.5
Belgium	293	340	16.1
Italy	274	289	5.6
Great Britain	161	225	39.4
China	127	172	35.4
Egypt	18	154	771.4
Czech Republic	96	147	53.2
Algeria	84	133	57.4
Poland	107	108	0.3
Other	1,059	1,044	–1.4
Total	3,591	4,071	13.4