In the coming months, lumber prices will likely rise in line with the log price and supply. The Central European timber construction sector is reporting a good order situation, at least in the first half of the year, despite there being fewer new orders.
Machined sideboards well above December, but far below 2022
As yet, it is not known everywhere in Italy that the higher log prices will also affect lumber prices. However, there were price increases in January, especially for thin machined sideboards. Holzkurier identified a price range of €210 to €240/m³ (free at the border) for fresh 17-mm sideboards and thus an increase of around €20/m³ compared to December. Compared to January 2022, however, the current price level is €70/m³ lower.
Orders placed by glulam manufacturers have been constant recently. Prices for laminations rose in January: An increase of €17/m³ was recorded in Germany, as the Holzkurier’s market research shows.
Whether 2023 will be a good or bad year in terms of sales will likely depend on developments in the US. In January, the US price level was only €220/m³ free arrival, i.e. around €160 to €170/m³ ex German sawmill. This is not sufficient for planed, dry lumber. It will be interesting to see how the shipments across the Atlantic will work in 2023. For the time being at least, the delivery quantities in the northern German ports have been significantly reduced.
