Scandinavians are the world champions in exports

Article by Raphael Kerschbaumer (translated by Eva Guzely) | 21.11.2023 - 15:06

In 2022, the eleven member countries of the European Organisation of the Sawmill Industry (EOS) produced a total of nearly 93 million m³ of softwood lumber. More than half of this volume was exported – mostly to overseas markets. In the first half of 2023, the export share grew even further. Austria is the fourth-biggest manufacturer of softwood lumber in Europe and is above the EOS-wide average when it comes to total exports.

In 2022, the export share of Europe’s biggest manufacturers of softwood lumber was 53%. The Scandinavian countries are in the lead. Last year, Finland exported 76% of the softwood lumber it produced (11.2 million m³) – mostly to countries outside the EU. Only 2.9 million m³ were sold inside the European Union.

A similar trend can be seen in Sweden. Only 27% remained on the domestic market, whereas the rest was exported. In the case of Sweden, too, 50% of the total production volume were exported to non-EU countries.

In the first half of 2023, both countries managed to raise their respective export shares even further (Finland: 83%; Sweden (81%).

In terms of the export share, Austria ranks third. In 2022, 10.1 million m³ of softwood lumber were produced in Austria. At 57% (5.7 million m³), the export share is relatively high. Non-EU countries, however, account for a rather small percentage (15%; 1.5 million m³). Nevertheless, there has been a year on year increase of several percentage points here, too.

As Europe’s biggest manufacturer of softwood lumber, Germany is also the number one consumer. “Only” 43% (10.6 million m³) were exported in 2022.Outside of the EU, however, Germany sold much bigger volumes (24%) than Austria. Nevertheless, Germany is far from the Nordic export shares.

As for 2023, the picture that emerges in Germany is the same as in the rest of Europe. A weak single market is prompting manufacturers to look for new sales channels. Both in exports to the EU and to non-EU countries, Germany was able to achieve increases in relative volumes in the first half-year.

In total, 42.4 million m³ of softwood lumber were produced by EOS member countries in the period January to June 2023. Already one third of this volume was bought by overseas markets.

In our Datacube, you can find a detailed overview of all export markets of the listed countries.

Export shares of big softwood lumber manufacturing countries | 2022
Country	EU	Non-EU	Exports 2022	Production 2022	Non-EU/Prod. in %	Total Exp./Prod. in %
Selected countries; in 1,000 m³; share of exports in relation to production in percent
Germany	4,800	5,800	10,600	24,300	24	43
Sweden	4,400	9,400	13,700	18,800	50	73
Finland	2,900	5,600	8,600	11,200	50	76
Austria	4,200	1,500	5,700	10,100	15	57
Romania	200	1,100	1,300	2,400	46	52
Switzerland	100	0	200	1,200	1	13
Other EOS countries	5,500	3,600	9,100	24,600	14	37
Total	22,200	26,900	49,100	92,600	29	53

Export shares of big softwood lumber manufacturing countries | H1 2023
Country	EU	Non-EU	Exports 1-6/2023	Production 1-6/2023	Non-EU/Prod. in %	Total Exp./Prod. in %
Selected countries; in 1,000 m³; share of exports in relation to production in percent
Germany	2,400	2,600	5,000	10,600	25	47
Sweden	2,700	4,800	7,500	9,200	53	81
Finland	1,700	2,600	4,400	5,300	50	83
Austria	2,000	700	2,700	4,300	17	63
Romania	100	400	500	1,200	34	40
Switzerland	100	0	100	600	1	15
Other EOS countries	2,800	1,900	4,700	11,400	17	41
Total	11,700	13,100	24,800	42,400	31	58