The wood industry in Austria’s Waldviertel region is facing severe strain due to soaring roundwood prices. Industry representatives warn of an existential competitive disadvantage and urge immediate measures to support the region’s sawmills. Rising costs threaten competitiveness Roundwood prices in the Waldviertel are currently up to 15% higher than the Austrian average—the highest in all of Europe. According to Franz Kirnbauer, head of the Lower Austrian wood industry group, the primary cause lies in past events: "Climate change and bark beetles have forced forestry companies to harvest wood prematurely. Now, these stocks are depleted, leading ...