Sharply rising prices with extremely lively global demand for building materials. All timber products are currently following this development. Above all, the export markets in China and the USA lead to shortages of availability and rising prices in Europe.

Due to the booming wood markets, the needle saw log prices in Austria have meanwhile reached the level before the beetle-related oversupply. However, the supply lags behind the increasing demand. The timber harvest in autumn 2020 was slowed down due to the price level at the time. Accordingly, the Austrian sawmills are currently receptive. Provided that there are no weather-related restrictions, the wood provided will be removed quickly.


Leading range spruce A / C, 2b mostly over 90 euros / FMO

While the leading range Fichte A / C, 2b is usually paid over 90 euros per FMO throughout Austria, the price level in the damaging regions of the Waldviertel and Mühlviertel is not understandably lower. Inferior qualities are also following the upward trend, but the gap to the leading range is unusually large. Individual premiums are granted for late uses. Contracts are currently more likely to be concluded with a short term and a price differentiation between A / B and C quality is increasingly being used again. When comparing offers, therefore, the type of case must be taken into account more strongly again, the quality assessment at the sawmill should be meticulously checked.
Larch is still in high demand, and prices have increased somewhat regionally.

Relaxation even with industrial wood

Despite the regional oversupply due to old damaged wood, the situation on the coniferous roundwood market is gradually easing, at least in terms of quantity. The prices are stable at a below average level. A slightly reduced amount of sawmill by-products and waste paper have regionally led to faster removal and increased quantities of pulpwood taken over. The purchase of grinding wood relaxes mainly through export. For red beech fiber wood there is normal volume demand at stable prices.

Lively demand for energy wood

With the exception of Upper Carinthia, in the southernmost federal state there is a noticeable increase in demand for energy wood, even for small to medium-sized biomass plants. Larger heating plants underpin their stronger demand with slightly rising prices. In the other federal states, it is difficult to market energy wood apart from existing delivery profiles.

Bark beetles require further attention
Despite a relatively cool April, the bark beetle monitoring delivers the first catch figures. Appropriate attention must be paid to the processing of infested beetle trees from the previous year and catch material.

All prices quoted relate to business transactions in the period from March to the beginning of April 2021 and are net prices to which sales tax is to be added. The following tax rates apply to the sale of wood to entrepreneurs: with sales tax flat rate for all assortments 13%, with regular taxation for energy wood / firewood 13% and for round wood 20%.
 

Source: LK Austria market report as of April 15, 2021